Portugal Nominates Former Finance Minister Maria Luis Albuquerque for EU Commission Role

Portugal's centre-right government has proposed Maria Luis Albuquerque, former finance minister who led austerity measures post-bailout, for a position in the new European Commission. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro emphasized the importance of qualified representatives. Opposition politicians criticized the nomination, linking Albuquerque to severe austerity. Current EU Commission member Elisa Ferreira holds the cohesion and reforms portfolio.

Portugal's centre-right government has nominated Maria Luis Albuquerque, the former finance minister who spearheaded the country's austerity measures after an international bailout, for a role in the new European Commission.

Prime Minister Luis Montenegro stressed the importance of each member state contributing its best talent for the collective good. Though he didn't specify Albuquerque's potential portfolio, an economic role is anticipated.

Montenegro's nomination has faced criticism from opposition politicians. Pedro Delgado Alves of the Socialist Party stated Albuquerque bore direct responsibility for severe national measures, while Left Bloc's Fabian Figueiredo labelled her as an 'agent of the troika'.

The previous centre-right government, associated with austerity, collapsed in 2015. It was succeeded by a Socialist administration that continued budget consolidation and achieved economic growth. Montenegro's current alliance, lacking a parliamentary majority, faces a crucial survival test with the 2025 budget vote.

Elisa Ferreira, Portugal's current EU Commission representative, manages the cohesion and reforms portfolio.

(With inputs from agencies.)