In recent statements, the Prime Minister asserted that people should feel it is not worth crossing the line or committing wrongdoing. The author agrees, emphasizing that both individual responsibility and state enforcement are essential. However, the article highlights systemic failures, such as the loss of billions in tax revenue from multinationals and the inability to collect 30 billion euros in tax debt. It notes that the tax administration has deteriorated over time, becoming less efficient. While there is progress in clearing decade-old cases in administrative and tax courts, the author argues that such delays constitute a denial of justice and that a transparent, efficient public administration is vital to honouring the values of the 25th of April.
It is not worth crossing the line
Thursday, 23 April 2026RSS

Context & Explainers
The Public Administration (Administração Pública) is Portugal's central, regional and local government bodies and the public-sector workforce that deliver services like healthcare, education and municipal functions. A pay rise announced on 20 February 2026 raised the state's base public-sector salary to €934.99 with retroactive payments back to January 2026, so employees and those who contract with state bodies should expect updated payrolls and potential budget effects.








