Carneiro Accuses Government of "Not Knowing the Country" Over €2,300 Average Rent Figure
The Secretary-General of the Socialist Party (PS), José Luís Carneiro, has strongly criticized the government's understanding of Portugal's housing crisis, expressing 'surprise' over a statement that pegs the average rent for a Portuguese family at €2,300. Speaking to journalists in Castelo Branco, Carneiro asserted that such a figure demonstrates a fundamental disconnect from the daily realities faced by the population. "I was surprised that we have a prime minister and a minister of infrastructure responsible for housing considering that the average rent for the Portuguese is €2,300. That's what surprised me," he stated, suggesting the government is out of touch.
The comments from the socialist leader came in response to remarks attributed to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Infrastructure, which have since ignited a heated political debate. Carneiro questioned the basis for the €2,300 figure, arguing it does not align with the financial capacity of most Portuguese households. "I think this comes from someone who doesn't know the country and doesn't experience the problems of young Portuguese people," he elaborated. "I must say I had to rewind the TV to check if the Prime Minister of Portugal and the Minister of Infrastructure were really saying what they considered an adequate rent for a young Portuguese person, for a Portuguese family, €2,300."
Market data from independent sources appear to contrast with the cited government figure. According to the latest report from the National Statistics Institute (INE), the national median rent stood at approximately €7.50 per square meter in the last quarter, which would place the rent for a 100-square-meter apartment at €750, far below the €2,300 mark. In Lisbon, where prices are highest, the median rent reached €15.80 per square meter, translating to around €1,580 for a similar-sized property. Real estate industry groups have voiced concern that such a high official figure could skew public perception and lead to misguided policy decisions.
During his address, Carneiro also accused the ruling Democratic Alliance (AD) government of using other political issues to obscure the housing crisis. He pointed to the recent scheduling of a parliamentary debate on immigration law as a calculated diversion. "The way it was scheduled, and the timing, is a way to distract people's attention from what matters to them," Carneiro argued. "Immigration is important, but it is not the priority issue for people's lives. This is part of a strategy." He confirmed that the Socialist Party would present its own housing proposals and vision during the upcoming parliamentary session on Tuesday.
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The housing issue has become a central point of political contention in Portugal amid soaring interest rates and a persistent lack of affordable housing stock, particularly in major urban centers like Lisbon and Porto. Economists from institutions such as the Bank of Portugal have repeatedly warned that rising housing costs pose a significant risk to financial stability for families and the broader economy. A spokesperson for the Association of Portuguese Real Estate Developers and Investors (APPII) noted that while certain luxury segments in Lisbon might command rents at or above the €2,300 level, it is by no means representative of the national average or even the typical Lisbon market.
In his concluding remarks, the PS Secretary-General also commented on the political dynamics between the AD and the right-wing Chega party. "The AD is entangled with Chega. We have known this for many months," Carneiro said, alluding to a perceived alignment between the two parties. "I just hope this courtship doesn't end in marriage. But, we shall wait and see," he concluded, leaving the door open to further political confrontation. The government has yet to issue a formal clarification regarding the context of the €2,300 rent figure. The Ministry of Infrastructure has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.
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