An official source at the ministry led by Maria Luís Alburquerque told Lusa the government “sent the EC the letter on 2 October saying that because of the 4 October elections, only the next government would have the legitimacy to present the budget".


The day after the elections, on 5 October, the EC said it still expected the Portuguese government to present the document by 15 October, despite the legislative elections, even if it was “supplemented” at a later date.

The Economic Affairs commissioner said at the time there was “no reason to alter the date. The dates don’t change”, even in the case of elections, referring to the anticipated deadline foreseen in the 2European half-year” for coordinating economic policies, which foresees that euro zone members must deliver their budget plans for the next year to Brussels by 15 October.