“It is an issue that involves several partners and, therefore, it is premature to be commenting on what is an ongoing process”, he declared, on the island of Porto Santo, Madeira archipelago.
In this way, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa commented on a story by the weekly newspaper Expresso, which points to a “rise in tone” of tension between partners for the increase of the national minimum wage, which should reach €670 in 2021 and at €750 in 2023.
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the country’s economy, however, raised the possibility that there will be no increase next year.
“In relation to this news, I think that it is best to wait and see,” said Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, stressing that he does not make political comments during holidays.
“To comment, the ideal place is not on vacation in Porto Santo”, he declared, just before going for a swim in the sea.
Be careful what you wish for. The minimum wage has been increased substantially in recent years, well ahead of inflation. That means that businesses that are labour-intensive such as hotels and restaurants, employing a lot of people on lower salaries, will have to pass it on to customers in order to protect their profit margins. Do you all really want higher hotel and restaurant bills, making Portugal less attractive and turning it into just any other country like in northern Europe?
By Billy Bissett from Porto on 19 Aug 2020, 13:13