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O Parlamento Português aprovou uma proposta para aumentar a licença parental de 120 ou 150 para 180 ou 210 dias. Isso pode custar 400 milhões de euros por ano. A proposta ainda será analisada antes da votação final. Há apoio de vários partidos , mas o PSD e CDS-PP são contra.

 

Translation

The Portuguese Parliament has approved a proposal to extend parental leave from 120 or 150 days to 180 or 210 days. This could cost 400 million euros annually. The proposal will undergo further review before the final vote. It has support from various parties, but the PSD and CDS-PP are opposed.

Exercise: Text comprehension

Question 1: What is the current duration of parental leave in Portugal before the proposed change?

The current duration of parental leave is 120 or 150 days.

Question 2: How much is the proposed change to parental leave expected to cost per year?

The proposed change is expected to cost 400 million euros per year.

Exercise: Vocabulary

(m.) - parliament

- approve

(f.) - proposal

- analyse

(f.) - vote

(m.) - party

 

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▌08/10/2024

The Portuguese Parliament has recently approved in principle a legislative proposal that could significantly increase the duration of parental leave. This initiative, driven by a citizen-led campaign with over 23,000 signatories, suggests extending the current leave period from 120 or 150 consecutive days to either 180 or 210 consecutive days. The proposal moves forward amid discussions on its financial implications and potential inclusion in the upcoming State Budget for 2025.

The proposed change has sparked considerable debate within Portugal's government circles due to its substantial estimated financial impact. The costs associated with extending parental leave are projected at around 400 million euros annually. Such a figure is pivotal for planning the forthcoming State Budget, making it a pressing topic for governmental and parliamentary discussions.

Portuguese Parliament Proposes Longer Parental Leave Portuguese Parliament Proposes Longer Parental Leave (Illustration)

In September, this amendment received widespread support from several opposition parties, including PS, Chega, IL, BE, PCP, Livre, and PAN. However, it faced opposition from the PSD and CDS-PP, the parties backing the current government. Although approved in the general vote, the proposal still requires further examination by the Labour, Social Security, and Inclusion Committee before returning to parliament for a final vote.

Despite the initial approval, the fate of the proposal remains uncertain. The involvement of multiple political entities and the financial stakes involved create a complex backdrop for ongoing budgetary negotiations. The Government has acknowledged this complexity and is currently in talks with the PS to determine the proposal's fate in relation to the State Budget for 2025.

Meanwhile, the Council of Ministers has provisionally approved the budget proposal for 2025, with final adjustments contingent upon these critical negotiations. Currently, the proposal’s approval is dependent on the voting patterns of the assembly members, as PSD and CDS-PP hold only 80 seats, insufficient for a majority. If the PS abstains or if Chega votes in favour, this year's budget and potentially the parental leave extension could see fruition.

 

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