CFP Forecast Sparks Concern

Mendes highlighted the recent forecast from the Public Finance Council (CFP), which projects a return to deficits in 2026 after a period of balanced budgets. He described this forecast as “a call of attention” to all political parties, urging them to avoid making unrealistic promises to voters. In the American political landscape, similar warnings are frequently enough issued by organizations like the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) when analyzing proposed budget plans from presidential candidates, emphasizing the need for sustainable fiscal policies.

“One cannot make unrealistic proposals, otherwise one will promise one thing and not be able to accomplish,” Mendes cautioned, echoing concerns frequently voiced by fiscal conservatives in the U.S. who advocate for balanced budgets and responsible spending.

Global uncertainty and the Need for Stability

Mendes directly linked global economic instability to the policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that the “international economic climate, because of President Trump, is very unstable, is very uncertain and therefore not time to go into adventures.” This perspective aligns with concerns voiced by many economists in the U.S. who criticized trump’s trade policies and their potential to disrupt global supply chains and economic growth. Trump’s withdrawal from the trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), for example, was seen by some as creating opportunities for othre countries while potentially harming American businesses.

Mendes’ emphasis on stability resonates with a common sentiment among voters in both Portugal and the U.S.,particularly during times of economic uncertainty. The desire for predictability and a sense of security often drives voter behaviour, leading them to favor candidates who promise to maintain the status quo or offer steady, reliable leadership.

Attracting Talent from the U.S.

Mendes also addressed the issue of inclusion policies, praising Portuguese higher education institutions for their stance against what he described as “absolutely unacceptable” initiatives from the U.S. authorities under the Trump administration.This alludes to reported instances where the U.S. government scrutinized or questioned the affiliations and research activities of foreign-born scientists and researchers, particularly those with ties to China. Such actions led to concerns about academic freedom and the potential for a “brain drain” from U.S. universities.

He then suggested that Portugal should capitalize on this situation by creating “an incentive program to attract US researchers and scientists who are leaving the United States.” This mirrors efforts in the U.S. to attract and retain talented individuals in STEM fields, recognizing the importance of innovation and technological advancement for economic competitiveness.Many states, for example, offer tax incentives and research grants to attract companies and researchers in fields like biotechnology and artificial intelligence.

“The next government that leaves the elections on May 18 must have as its absolute priority to create, together with Portuguese universities, an incentive program to attract US researchers and scientists who are leaving the United States,” said luís Marques Mendes.

This proactive strategy could position portugal as a welcoming destination for skilled professionals seeking a more stable and inclusive environment, potentially boosting the country’s research capacity and economic growth.

Voter Sentiment and the Desire for Stability

Mendes expressed confidence in voter participation in the upcoming elections, predicting that “voters will participate a lot” and that their decisions will be driven by “the desire for stability.” He specifically mentioned “the fear that people have that there may be new elections in a year,” suggesting a weariness with political instability and a desire for a government that can serve its full term.

“what will lead people to vote on the 18th is stability, the desire for stability, the fear that people have that there may be new elections in a year. I hope so, that people understand that the country needs stability and that they cannot do elections from year to year,” said Marques Mendes.

This sentiment echoes the concerns of many American voters who have grown weary of partisan gridlock and political polarization.The desire for a functioning government that can address pressing issues like healthcare, education, and infrastructure frequently enough outweighs ideological purity for many voters.

Comparative Economic Indicators: Portugal vs. United States

To provide a clearer understanding of the economic contexts in which Mendes’ statements are made, the following table compares key economic indicators for Portugal and the United States.

Note: Estimates are based on projections from international financial institutions for the upcoming fiscal year. Actual figures may vary.