The topic of migration marked the first debate for the European elections, which took place on SIC, and brought together the top candidates of AD, Sebastião Bugalho, of PS, Marta Temido, of IL, João Cotrim de Figueiredo, and of Livre, Francisco Paupério.

All candidates acknowledged shortcomings in the Pact for Migration and Asylum, already approved by the European Parliament, but only the candidate for MEP from Livre rejected it head-on.

The topic generated the harshest exchange of arguments in the debate - which took place without major interruptions for about 50 minutes -, when Sebastião Bugalho, from AD (coalition that brings together PSD/CDS-PP), defended that the limitations of the European pact "do not justify" what is happening with migration in Portugal, saying that there are 400 thousand immigrants waiting for their process to be completed.

"They just need to express their declaration of interest and they can stay in the country for up to two years, the problem is that they are vulnerable to human trafficking networks. PS handed over the migration policy in Portugal to human trafficking networks", he accused.

In response, Marta Temido considered that saying that not extinguishing the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) would prevent human trafficking networks is a position "of profound demagogy and a lack of seriousness".

Regarding the European pact, the former Minister of Health admitted that it was "the possible compromise", but pointed out weaknesses that require "care and commitment in its application", emphasizing that PS is not in favor of "building walls as the European People's Party presents in its program".

Bugalho stressed that this position had the opposition of the Portuguese delegation and admitted that the EPP - the European political family of PSD and CDS-PP - has a "more rigid and orthodox" view on the issue of migration, proposing that the minimum wage provided for in the pact could be lowered so that a qualified immigrant could obtain a Blue Card.

Cotrim de Figueiredo, whose disagreements throughout the debate were more evident with the Livre candidate, stated that he "100% agrees" with the AD candidate's view on possible improvements and also criticized the national situation.

"IL and others warned what would happen with the extinction of SEF, it was a huge irresponsibility and it was not for lack of warning", he said.

Francisco Paupério assumed that Livre is clearly against a pact that allows "separating families and externalizing borders" and that puts "a price on the lives of refugees", defending the creation of humanitarian corridors as an alternative.

"It is estimated that by 2050 there will be 250 million climate refugees, they will aim to reach Europe and this pact is not prepared for this event", he warned.

The four candidates expressed their support for the EU's enlargement to the East, with the top candidates of AD and IL arguing that the discussion cannot be about the money that Portugal could lose, but what "Europe can gain", with Bugalho proposing that countries with candidate status could be invited to participate in some EU ministerial meetings.

"We have an unequivocal commitment to the enlargement process to several countries, including Ukraine. It is not a free entry process, it requires adaptations from the European Union itself, it implies institutional and budgetary reforms", said Marta Temido.

Questioned about the need for the EU to increase investment in security and defense, the Livre candidate said that, before talking about single armies, Europe needs "a common defense policy".

"Right now we are unable to communicate equipment between armies", he warned, and welcomed the fact that a common policy would allow "all military contracts to be scrutinized" in light of EU rules, with Cotrim accusing Livre of often wanting to "create obstacles" to innovation.

The AD candidate considered it a priority for Europe to assume itself as "a pillar of NATO" and to reduce its dependence on the United States, defending the issuance of joint debt to finance the Defense area.

"I am very concerned about what I just heard. We admit to mutualizing debt for defense, but not for housing?", questioned Marta Temido, admitting, however, also the need to strengthen the common defense policy.

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