Portugal approves 2026 budget with focus on housing ...
The article discusses Portugal's 2026 national budget, which totals €140.25 billion ($153.14 billion), representing a 4.5% increase from 2025. Approved by parliament in November 2025, the budget aims to promote economic growth, social welfare, and fiscal discipline, projecting a GDP growth of around 2.3% and a reduction in public debt to approximately 87.9% of GDP. Key priorities include significant investments in housing (€6.9bn), transport infrastructure, healthcare (€17.2bn), education (€7.5bn), and social protection (€28.5bn). The government emphasizes supporting households, especially low-income groups and the elderly, through tax reliefs, pension increases, and social benefits. Infrastructure projects focus on building and rehabilitating public housing, expanding transport networks, ports, and airports, and enhancing energy and environmental sectors. The budget also allocates funds for security and defense, reflecting rising geopolitical tensions. Tax reforms include raising income tax thresholds, lowering corporate tax rates, and offering property transfer exemptions for first-time buyers. Overall, the budget aims to sustain growth, reduce public debt, and improve citizens' well-being, with construction industry growth projected at 2.3% in 2026 driven by these investments.
