Livre’s candidacy for the Legislative Elections on the 18th of May for the constituency of Madeira argues that immigrants contribute to Social Security sustainability.
In a statement, the party points out that “the legal immigrants living and working in Portugal play an essential role in the sustainability of the Social Security system, countering the false and dangerous narratives promoted by sectors of the extreme right and xenophobic discourses that distort reality.”
According to data presented by the party, in 2022, more than 11% of Social Security contributors were foreign citizens, despite representing about 7% of the resident population.
“These workers contribute directly to the financing of pensions for ensuring the viability of the pay-as-you-go system, assures Livre, also pointing out that the net contributions of immigrants to Social Security exceed one billion euros annually.
Contrary to some critical discourses, Livre stresses that immigrants “are a economic and social asset, contributing to the fight against the demographic imbalance, respond to labour shortages and strengthen the social, economic and territorial cohesion of the country.”
The political force also defends the role of foreign citizens in the cultural diversity and social cohesion of the country, reinforcing the importance of public policies that promote integration and inclusion.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
