Portugal’s incoming President António José Seguro has begun consultations with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, with healthcare emerging as one of the key areas expected to shape cooperation between the two leaders in the coming years.
The two met for more than two and a half hours at the Palácio Nacional de Queluz, just weeks before Seguro’s formal inauguration on 9 March. While the meeting also covered economic recovery and reconstruction after recent storms, attention is increasingly turning to the future of Portugal’s health system.
Healthcare among top priorities
During his campaign, Seguro identified health, housing and education as the areas where he intends to use the presidency to encourage reforms and maintain political focus.
Portugal’s health system has faced growing pressure in recent years. Hospitals have reported staff shortages, long waiting times for appointments and surgeries, and increasing demand from an ageing population. Political observers expect the new president to keep healthcare high on the national agenda, particularly in discussions around workforce planning and investment in public services.
Rapid population ageing is another major upcoming challenge. The median age is already one of the highest amongst OECD member countries and in two decades, around one third of the population will be over 65.
OECD
Prime Minister Montenegro has signalled willingness to cooperate on these priorities. His minority government is expected to rely on broader political support to move forward with reforms affecting hospitals, primary care services and healthcare staffing.
Workforce issues and labour reforms
Healthcare is also closely linked to the broader labour reform debate in Portugal. Seguro has warned that he may veto legislation that weakens job security or increases inequality.
This could be particularly relevant for sectors such as healthcare and social care, where Portugal increasingly depends on foreign workers to fill staffing gaps. Seguro has repeatedly stressed that immigrant workers play an important role in sustaining public services, including the health system.
Under the Portuguese constitution, the president has veto powers that can force parliament to reconsider legislation. Given the government’s minority position, such a veto could significantly shape the direction of labour reforms affecting healthcare professionals and care workers.
Recovery funds and health infrastructure
The meeting also included discussion of the government’s Portugal Transformation, Recovery and Resilience (PTRR) programme. While initially designed to address damage caused by recent storms, the programme includes wider investments in infrastructure and public services.
Part of the funding—supported by European Union recovery instruments—may also contribute to upgrading public facilities, including healthcare infrastructure in regions affected by extreme weather events.
A more discreet presidential style
Seguro is expected to take a more restrained public approach than his predecessor Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who frequently commented on political developments and appeared regularly at disaster sites.
Political analysts suggest the new president’s quieter style could lead to more negotiation behind the scenes, particularly on sensitive issues such as healthcare reform and labour legislation.
What to expect next
Seguro will formally assume presidential powers during the inauguration ceremony at the Assembly of the Republic on 9 March.
In the coming weeks, discussions between the presidency and government are expected to continue, with healthcare policy likely to remain one of the central topics.
