"We think that there is no reason for there to be different views between parties running in the [European] elections and part of the solution to this problem lies in the hands of television, which we hope will not give in to the interests and pressure of those who call themselves major parties, but the problem of the European Parliament (EP) is far from being that of the debates", said Paulo Raimundo to journalists, in Santarém, on the sidelines of a visit to the Estação Zootécnica Nacional.

The communist leader criticised the recent approval of the new budget rules in the EP, with repercussions on Portuguese public spending.

According to the communist leader, "the new budget rules were approved in the European Parliament, a week ago, with the votes of the PS, PSD and CDS (...) which, among other things, seek to impose a cut in public spending of 2.8 billion euros", an amount that "is more than what the country spends per year on medicines, so that we can get a sense of the scale of the issue".

"This will be an aspect that we will not let go of and what the PS, PSD and CDS, but also Chega and IL, will have to explain to everyone where they are going to make these cuts", he stressed.

Paulo Raimundo also said that the Portuguese need to know if the cuts "are in tax benefits for large economic groups, in public-private partnerships, road or even health", or if "they will once again be left for salaries, living conditions, or for the National Health Service" (SNS).

"That is the answer that needs to be given and that is the centre of the debate in the European Parliament. There will be an opportunity for this, and I hope that they do not disappoint the expectations that have been created", he said.

Today, Paulo Raimundo visited the Fonte Boa Innovation Hub, at the Estação Zootécnica Nacional, in Vale de Santarém, with the aim of "valuing and giving as an example" that "the country has the conditions, means, resources and capacities for the country to move forward".

The Fonte Boa Innovation Hub -- Estação Zootécnica Nacional, is considered a reference centre for the enhancement of agricultural and agri-food production systems, with the activities developed there based on the aspects of scientific research, innovation and experimentation, technical and academic training, and knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship.

Paulo Raimundo praised the work developed there, on the one hand, but, on the other hand, criticised the Government led by Luís Montenegro.

"The Government has a specific programme, project and objectives, which do not take into account either national production or the enhancement of our capacities", but which, he said, "has scrupulously fulfilled its programme: to hand over everything it can and as quickly as possible to economic interests".

According to the PCP's secretary-general, this is "a Government that is very quick with dismissals and very slow in solving problems", having exemplified this with the security forces and police.

The campaign for the European elections starts on 27 May and runs until 7 June. The European elections are scheduled for 9 June.

Leia Também: PCP diz que Carlos Moedas não contribuiu para melhorar Lisboa (Portuguese version)