Sol
«Government blocked», reveals Sol, after Minister for Foreign Affairs Paulo Portas halted measures that Prime Minister Passos Coelho wanted to announce now and delays the reform of the state, following one of the longest Cabinet Meetings of this government.
Público
«People on unemployment and sickness benefits will see cuts returned over next few days», reveals Público, as Social Security announced it will be returning the amounts withheld between January and April to all recipients, following the Constitutional Court’s rejection of the 2013 state budget article that aimed to introduce a levy of 5% on sickness benefits and 6% on unemployment benefits.
Correio da Manhã
«Income tax settling “eats up” salaries in November», reports Correio da Manhã, as the Portuguese tax authorities have changed the witholding tables for pensioners and updated those for public servants.
Diário de Notícias
«Government invites Socialist Party to discuss growth», writes Diário de Notícias, as the coalition announced it wants to negotiate with the main opposition party an agenda for economic growth, more than just discussing cuts to expenditure.
Jornal de Notícias
«Government backtracks on privatisation of Viana Shipyards», writes Jornal de Notícias, as the cabinet decided not to accept any bids for the direct sale of the Viana do Castelo Shipyards and close the option of reprivatisation. According to the paper, the decision, announced following the Cabinet Meeting, comes after the publication of the results of the investigation the European Commission launched into the €180m the state injected into the company between 2006 and 2010.
i
«Government withholds benefits worth €1.15bn for 5 months», writes i, as the government attempts to work around the Constitutional Court’s rejection of some of the 2013 state budget measures and announced it will only be paying back to civil servants and pensioners in November what the state has been withholding in bonuses and benefits since January.
Diário Económico
«Health sector to see 25% of cuts to state expenditure», writes Diário Económico, as out of a total of €800m in cuts to state expenditure announced by the government, the health sector be responsible for slashing €200m. The financial daily also reports that the Ministry of the Economy will see cuts worth €50m.
Jornal de Negócios
«Lower pensions also see benefits delayed», reports Jornal de Negócios, as the nearly 2 million retirees on low pensions who were to receive their holiday benefits in June will have to wait until November, as the government tries to come up with alternatives to the Constitutional Court’s rejection of some of the measures included in the 2013 state budget. According to the paper, the government is also getting ready to speed up public sector lay-offs.
A Bola
«Fiery duo for derby», writes A Bola, as Lima and Cardozo will both be playing for undefeated Benfica in Sunday’s Lisbon derby against Sporting.
Record
«Steven Vitória on his way to Benfica», writes Record, as Estoril Praia will see its central defender depart in June when his contract ends and will join League leaders Benfica.
O Jogo
«Benfica will be champion if it wins derby», writes O Jogo, quoting former Benfica defender Javi García ahead of Sunday’s Lisbon derby.