The National Statistics Institute (Instituto Nacional de Estatística or INE) reported a budget surplus of 0.5% of GDP for the first half of 2026. Finance Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmento stated that public expenditure remains under control but warned that proposed tax cuts from the Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS) and Chega could risk the country's budgetary targets.
Government reports budget surplus despite spending warnings
Wednesday, 23 September 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
INE (Instituto Nacional de Estatística) is Portugal's official statistics office, responsible for collecting, processing, and publishing data on the economy, population, housing, employment, inflation, and social conditions.
Key INE publications include the Consumer Price Index (CPI), quarterly GDP figures, housing price indices, census data, and labor market statistics. These figures are widely used by policymakers, journalists, lenders, and international organizations to assess Portugal's economic and social trends.
INE data is publicly available at ine.pt, where users can access databases, press releases, and interactive tools covering everything from property prices to demographic shifts.
Health cards are private membership or discount schemes sold by companies that offer access to consultations, tests or reduced fees at private clinics; they are not the public health service. The Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS) has proposed regulation to increase transparency and protect consumers from misleading marketing or unexpected charges.
3 sources
- "Expenditure is under control". Government highlights 0.5% surplus after a "very difficult" first quarterrtp.pt ·
- Miranda Sarmento says expenditure is under control but warns PS and Chega about deficit riskdinheirovivo.dn.pt ·
- Finance Minister guarantees that "expenditure is under control" but warns PS and Chega: "May that bad experience from the previous legislative term not be repeated"cnnportugal.iol.pt ·
