Assembly of the Republic

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Assembly of the Republic

The Assembly of the Republic is the legislature of the government of the Portuguese Republic. It is bicameral, composed of a lower body, the House of Representatives, and an upper body, the Senate. It meets in the Palace of Saint Benedict in Lisbon. Senators and representatives are chosen through direct election. The Assembly has 242 voting members: 22 senators and 230 representatives. The Portuguese vice president has a vote in the Senate only when senators are evenly divided.

The Portuguese Republic House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Assembly of the Republic. The fixed-term for House members is for the two-year term of a Congress, subject to reelection every two-years or intra-term vacancy. The House is charged with the passage of federal legislation, known as law proposals; those that are also passed by the Senate are sent to the president for consideration.

The Portuguese Republic Senate is the upper chamber of the Assembly of the Republic. The Senate plays a role in the passage of federal legislation; it also confirms presidential appointments and provides a vital check and balance on the powers of the executive and judicial branches of government. Each of the 22 districts is represented by two senators who serve staggered terms of six years, for a total of 22 senators.​

 

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Bill for Economic Growth and Social Welfare - Second Version - Waiting for the House of Representatives voting

Preamble: Recognizing the necessity of a balanced legislative approach, the Economic Growth and Social Welfare Act undergoes revision to address concerns raised during deliberations in the House of Representatives. This revised version strives to maintain the original vision of fostering economic growth and social welfare, while incorporating key amendments to ensure broad-based support and sustainability.

Article 2: Key Provisions (Amended):

Section I: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Support

Article 3: Comprehensive Support Program (Amended)
3.1 The establishment of a Small Business Support Center, providing consultation services, financial guidance, and regulatory assistance.
3.2 Tax incentives, allowing eligible small businesses to benefit from a reduced corporate tax rate for the initial three years of operation.
3.3 Access to low-interest loans facilitated through collaboration with financial institutions to ease capital acquisition for startups.

Section II: Investment in Education and Workforce Development

Article 4: Allocation of Funds for Education (Amended)
4.1 The creation of a National Skills Development Fund to finance vocational training programs, curriculum updates, and teacher professional development.
4.2 Modernizing the curriculum to include digital literacy, coding, and other skills relevant to emerging industries.
4.3 Collaborations with private industries to establish internship programs, providing students with practical experience aligned with industry needs.

Section III: Sustainable Infrastructure Development

Article 5: National Initiative for Sustainable Infrastructure (Amended)
5.1 Formation of an Infrastructure Sustainability Task Force, responsible for conducting environmental impact assessments and ensuring adherence to sustainable practices.
5.2 Investments in renewable energy projects, focusing on solar and wind power to achieve a designated percentage of the national energy mix.
5.3 Implementation of smart transportation systems, including the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and intelligent traffic management.

Section IV: Tourism Enhancement Program

Article 6: Tourism Enhancement Initiative (Amended)
6.1 Establishment of a Tourism Development Authority, coordinating marketing campaigns, infrastructure improvements, and regulatory support.
6.2 Implementation of local tourism impact assessments to ensure that tourism benefits local communities and minimizes negative environmental effects.
6.3 Support for local businesses through grants and incentives to enhance tourist experiences and services.

Section V: Research and Development Incentives

Article 7: Incentives for Research and Development (Amended)
7.1 Introduction of tax incentives, including tax credits and accelerated depreciation, for businesses engaging in research and development activities.
7.2 Creation of a Research and Development Oversight Committee, responsible for assessing grant applications and monitoring project progress.
7.3 Collaboration with academic institutions to establish research partnerships, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange.

Closing Remarks: The revised Economic Growth and Social Welfare Act reflects a collaborative effort to enhance Portugal's economic and social prospects through concrete and technical means. Striking a delicate balance between visionary progress and pragmatic considerations, this amended bill embodies a commitment to shaping a future that prioritizes both prosperity and well-being.