The State spent €885.2 million on sickness benefit in 2023, an increase of 57.3 per cent compared with 2018, according to data from the Court of Auditors now published.
Sick-leave spending soared to €885 million and Court of Auditors flags shortcomings
Wednesday, 28 January 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
The Court of Auditors (Tribunal de Contas) is Portugal’s independent public audit body that inspects and approves the accounts of state entities, public companies and other bodies that use public funds. Its rejection of an organisation’s accounts signals serious financial irregularities and can lead to recoveries, fines or political fallout, so taxpayers and public-sector contractors should pay attention.
