 Public investment will increase 710 million euros in 2019. Investment in large structural projects will reach 1,100 million euros. Investment is expected to accelerate in the coming years, reflecting, on the one hand, the greater execution of structural funds associated with the Portugal 2020 programme, and, on the other hand, with the expansion of the productive capacity of the economy. Key investments are spread across Healthcare, Education, Science and Technology, Culture, Transports, Environment, Agriculture, Defence, Internal Administration and Justice.

 Apart from a fall in the price of electricity between 2017 and 2018, Portugal recorded the largest reduction in tariff debt, at around 744 million euros. The Government will continue to focus on reducing the energy bill, with a further 200 million euros being transferred to reduce the tariff deficit in 2019.

 The commitment to the National Health Service continues with investment in 5 new hospital units in Évora, Lisbon, Madeira, Seixal and Sintra; the extension of the networks of integrated continuing care and palliative care; the enhancement of primary health care; and the strengthening of the national network of emergency vehicles. A new financing model will be applied to 11 EPE Hospitals (as part of a pilot project), aimed at reducing arrears, improving managerial accountability and improving hospital efficiency.

 In order to meet the objective of providing a response to families living in a situation of serious housing shortage, the Government’s goal is to eradicate undignified housing in Portugal by 2024. To this end, the 1st Right - Support Program for Access to Housing is launched, aiming to ensure access to adequate housing for people living in undignified housing conditions. The first phase of implementation starts as early as 2019.

It is critical to preserve what the country has achieved with great effort, as well as to prepare the future. Portugal must insist on its efforts to make structural and decisive changes that help to mitigate risks and remove remaining barriers to growth. It is necessary to create budgetary space to accommodate a possible future slowdown in economic activity. This strategy is the best enabler of sustainable and inclusive growth in the future.

The Government expects that 2019 will define a historical milestone: a fiscal balance very close to zero (-0.2% of GDP) and a further decline of the public debt ratio to 118,5% of GDP (-10,7 pp over 3 years).

The State Budget 2019 keeps Portugal on the same path that was drawn for the whole parliamentary cycle. A path that offers trust and predictability, combining growth, employment creation, and greater social cohesion with responsible management of the public finances.

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