Rádio e Televisão de Portugal

[Bruno]

Pedro da Gama Proposes Sweeping Political Integrity Bill​

In a bold move to fulfill one of his campaign promises, President Pedro da Gama's administration has introduced the Political Integrity Act, aimed at banning members of Congress from owning shares or stocks in private companies while serving in office. The legislation, announced today, seeks to prevent conflicts of interest and restore public trust in government.

"This law is about ensuring that elected officials serve the people, not their financial interests," da Gama stated during a press conference. "No one should be able to profit from the power they hold."

The bill will require members of Congress to divest from all stocks or place their investments in blind trusts, a move that da Gama says is critical to promoting transparency and fairness. Initial reactions from members of Congress are mixed, with some showing support for the President’s efforts, while others have expressed concerns over the practicality of the law.

Pushback from Congress has begun. Several members have voiced opposition, calling the legislation "overly restrictive" and claiming it undermines their personal financial freedom.

"This law assumes that politicians can’t be trusted with their own investments. It’s unnecessary," said João Pereira, a prominent member of the center-right opposition.

Even within da Gama’s own Progressive Party, there are murmurs of dissatisfaction. Some argue that it’s unfair to force members to divest from long-held family assets, particularly when many have financial interests in sectors like agriculture and small businesses.

However, public reaction appears overwhelmingly positive, with polls showing strong support for the President’s move to clean up politics. Many Portuguese citizens see this as a critical step toward restoring public faith in government.

 

[Bruno]

Public Support for Da Gama’s Bill Grows Amid Protests from Congress​

The divide between public opinion and Congress is widening as President Pedro da Gama's Political Integrity Act garners increasing support from the Portuguese people. Civic groups and anti-corruption activists have rallied behind the President’s call to remove conflicts of interest in the halls of government.

However, the situation inside Congress is becoming more tense. An anonymous coalition of Congress members has reportedly begun lobbying against the bill, with claims that the legislation is too drastic and would discourage qualified professionals from running for office. They argue that managing financial interests through blind trusts or divesting completely is not feasible for many politicians with deep-rooted business ties.

In response, da Gama’s administration has remained steadfast. "We must hold our public servants to the highest standards," said a senior official from the President’s office. "This law is about ensuring that lawmakers put the nation first."

 

[Bruno]

Da Gama Defends Integrity Bill, Offers Minor Concessions to Congress​

Lisbon, Portugal – Tensions are flaring in the Assembly as the Political Integrity Act moves toward committee hearings. A coalition of opposition lawmakers, led by João Pereira, is organizing efforts to block or amend the bill, which would force them to divest their stock portfolios or place them in blind trusts.

The Progressive Party leadership has also seen internal strife, with several senior members pushing for compromises. Some are advocating for the introduction of exceptions to the bill, such as allowing investments in national industries or companies not involved in government contracts.

Public demonstrations supporting the bill have increased, with protesters outside Parliament chanting, "No profits in politics!" Meanwhile, the business sector has begun quietly voicing concerns that such sweeping reforms could discourage economic participation by influential leaders.

In a live address to the nation, President Pedro da Gama doubled down on his defense of the Political Integrity Act, calling it essential for protecting the integrity of Portugal’s democracy. Da Gama acknowledged the growing opposition in Congress, but he also hinted at a willingness to offer "practical adjustments" to gain wider support.

"We understand that some flexibility may be necessary to ensure the bill's implementation," da Gama said, offering to consider a delayed timeline for compliance and the creation of a watchdog commission to help members transition their assets into blind trusts.

Critics, however, remain unconvinced. "This bill still overreaches," João Pereira remarked after the President’s speech. "It's a political stunt that will hurt those trying to serve the public."

Despite this, new polls show that public support for the bill remains strong, with over 70% of the population backing da Gama’s push for reform.

 

[Bruno]

Political Integrity Act Passes Committee, Full Vote Set for Next Week​

Lisbon, Portugal – Opposition leaders today introduced an alternative to the Political Integrity Act, proposing a watered-down version that would allow members of Congress to retain their stock holdings with greater disclosure, rather than requiring full divestment. The proposal received immediate backlash from transparency advocates, who see it as an attempt to weaken the President’s anti-corruption agenda.

President da Gama quickly rejected the alternative bill, stating: "This is not the time for half-measures. We need real reform, not symbolic gestures."

The opposition’s version of the bill has little public support, with peaceful protesters now gathering outside João Pereira’s office, accusing him of siding with corporate interests over the public good. The Progressive Party is rallying behind da Gama, though internal discussions are ongoing as party leadership debates whether the President should push for a vote or continue negotiations.

After an intense debate, the Political Integrity Act passed its committee stage today, advancing to a full vote in Congress next week. President Pedro da Gama hailed the development as a significant step toward restoring public trust in government.

"This is a victory for transparency and the Portuguese people," da Gama said in a statement. "I urge Congress to do the right thing in the final vote."

The opposition remains vocal, but with widespread public support and peaceful rallies outside the Parliament building growing larger, some legislators have begun to distance themselves from the opposition's stance. With the vote set for next week, political analysts are predicting a narrow but possible victory for da Gama’s government.

In response to the recent statement from Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Pedro da Gama addressed concerns regarding the state of democracy in Portugal:

"We appreciate the attention, but any political analyst with even a mediocre curriculum would know that the vibrant debates and the intense discussions surrounding the Political Integrity Bill are a testament to the strength of our democracy, not a sign of its deterioration. True democracy thrives on robust debate and differing opinions, agreements, laws and bills without scrutiny and debates is not the mark of a healthy democratic system."

He continued, "Portugal will chart its own course, and while we respect the views of other nations, our democracy is not defined by external labels or classifications. It is guided by the will of the Portuguese people, perhaps it would be wise for any nation expressing concern to first reflect on the state of its own democratic institutions."

 

[Bruno]

Da Gama’s Political Integrity Act Passes with Strong Majority​

Lisbon, Portugal – In a decisive session of Congress, President Pedro da Gama’s Political Integrity Act passed with a substantial majority today, marking a turning point in Portugal’s push for greater transparency and anti-corruption reforms. Following intense debate, the bill was passed in its entirety, with opposition lawmakers ultimately responding to widespread public demand for accountability.

Key amendments were introduced to accommodate concerns raised during negotiations, including:

Extended Compliance Period: Lawmakers will have up to 12 months to divest their stock holdings or place them in blind trusts, allowing a smoother transition.
Exemptions for Small Family Businesses: To address concerns about long-held family-owned businesses, an exemption was made for small, non-publicly traded enterprises.
Regular Audits: An amendment was added to establish annual audits of blind trusts to ensure ongoing compliance with the law.

The passage of the bill solidifies the da Gama administration’s commitment to political integrity and public trust.

"This is a pivotal moment for Portuguese democracy," President da Gama declared after the vote. "We have shown today that the interests of the people come before personal gain."

Public support remains overwhelming, with many celebrating the bill’s success as a significant step toward restoring integrity in government.