Luis Montenegro Forms Government with Key Figures MEP Paulo Rangel and Joaquim Miranda Sarmiento

A week after being appointed by the President of the Republic to form a government, Luis Montenegro presented his chosen team at the Belém Palace. The meeting with the Head of State was brief, but soon after, the list of names was made public. Montenegro selected a team with political weight to navigate the uncertain and unstable days ahead, given the parliamentary challenges he faces.

Two key figures in the new government will be MEP Paulo Rangel, who will oversee Foreign Affairs, and Joaquim Miranda Sarmiento, who will serve as the Minister of Finance. Both have held significant positions within the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and will play vital roles in economic management and international relations during these turbulent times. Other members of the cabinet include Miguel Pinto Luz, who will oversee Infrastructure and Housing, sensitive areas of focus based on current national needs.

Miranda Sarmiento inherits a favorable budget surplus, allowing the new team to address demands from professional groups seeking salary improvements. However, governing partly through decree due to its parliamentary weakness means that the new government must carefully navigate its decisions. The appointment of Nuno Melo to defense represents a step towards solidifying alliances within the coalition that led Montenegro to victory in elections. With seven women holding ministerial positions, gender parity is maintained but with a decrease from previous socialist governments. Montenegro’s decision to exclude far-right party Chega has strained relations as party leader André Ventura has challenged Montenegro’s leadership.

As Montenegro’s Government prepares to take office, pressure intensifies to deliver on key issues such as salary improvements and public spending. The European and Madeira elections will be crucial tests for this new administration as it navigates a complex political landscape while striving to meet Portuguese people’s demands.

In summary, Luis Montenegro has formed a government with significant political weight that includes MEP Paulo Rangel in charge of Foreign Affairs and Joaquim Miranda Sarmiento serving as Minister of Finance. Other members include Miguel Pinto Luz overseeing Infrastructure and Housing, Nuno Melo heading Defense portfolio and seven women holding ministerial positions maintaining gender parity but decreasing from previous socialist governments.

Montenegro must balance delivering on key issues while navigating parliamentary weaknesses through decree-making while facing crucial tests in upcoming European and Madeira elections.