In a statement, the CIP said that, among other issues, it wanted to ensure that “taxation that falls directly or indirectly on companies not be increased and that no new taxes or levies are imposed that affect companies.”
The confederation wants to see a resumption of the step-by-step reduction in corporate tax (IRC) undertaken by the previous centre-right government to 19 percent. Corporate profits are currently taxed at 21 percent.
At the same time, given the weight of small and medium-sized companies in the Portuguese economy, the CIP wants to raise the turnover threshold for the lower, 17 percent rate to €50,000 euros.
It is also opposing any new taxes on consumption, and demanding the “urgent, full and definitive” payment of sums owed to companies by all public entities.
“The country has potential,” the statement quoted the CIP’s president, António Saraiva, as saying. “Portuguese companies have potential. And Portuguese companies have proved in recent years that they are able to find solutions in the face of great adversity.
“Now it’s necessary to remove obstacles so as to fulfil this idea,” Saraiva said.