President António José Seguro has promulgated three government decrees, including the regulation of the Mobility and Transport Fund (FMT), while stressing the need for adequate funding for municipalities. The President highlighted that the transfer of responsibilities to municipalities and inter-municipal communities must be accompanied by sufficient financial resources to ensure financial neutrality and prevent territorial inequalities. Additionally, Seguro approved measures regarding the administration of the Setúbal and Sesimbra port authority and a new regime for foreign higher education institutions operating in Portugal.
Seguro promulgates Transport Fund with warning on adequate municipal financing
Wednesday, 18 March 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
- President of Portugal (since March 9, 2026)
- Party: Independent. Former leader of the Socialist Party (PS), Partido Socialista
- Center-left
António José Martins Seguro (born March 11, 1962, in Penamacor) is a lawyer, political scientist, and the current President of the Portuguese Republic, inaugurated on March 9, 2026 after winning the two-round presidential election in January–February 2026.
Career: He led Socialist Youth (1990–1994), served as MEP (1999–2001), was Minister Adjunct to PM António Guterres (2001–2002), and led the PS parliamentary group (2004–2005). Elected PS Secretary-General in 2011 with 68%, he led the opposition during Portugal's bailout era. In 2014, António Costa defeated him in party primaries by a landslide, prompting Seguro's resignation and a decade-long retreat from politics. He returned in 2025, launching the movement UPortugal and announcing his presidential candidacy in June. He received official PS backing in October 2025 and won the presidency in February 2026.
Political philosophy: Seguro positions himself as representing a "modern and moderate" left, advocating financial responsibility while opposing austerity. As President, he has emphasized institutional trust, efficient governance, and a collaborative relationship with the government while maintaining rigorous constitutional oversight.
The Mobility and Transport Fund (Fundo de Mobilidade e Transportes) is a government financial mechanism that supports public transport and sustainable mobility projects. It provides funding to municipalities to help maintain local transport networks and infrastructure. Residents should note that this fund is essential for keeping local bus and train services operational and affordable.
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Other news coverage of this topic
- President of the Republic enacts Transport Fund with financing • Observador
- Seguro makes first enactment: promulgates Transport Fund, but requests financial resources for municipalities • Expresso
- Seguro promulgates the Government's first decrees with a warning • CNN Portugal
- Seguro enacts Transport Fund with warning regarding funding • ECO
- President of the Republic enacts Transport Fund with warning on funding adequacy • Correio da Manhã
- Seguro enacts Transport Fund with warning on funding adequacy • RTP Notícias
