IPDAL organized a virtual meeting to discuss the economic and political consequences of Covid-19 in Portugal.
The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation praised the dynamics maintained by IPDAL, even at this complex time in the country and in international relations. Teresa Ribeiro then listed the various reaction measures implemented by Portuguese diplomacy during the pandemic, especially in the context of cooperation with CPLP countries.
The Secretary General of IPDAL drew attention to the accelerated growth in unemployment figures, particularly youth unemployment, and argued that the country’s external relations strategy should be based on the credibility gained in recent years and now reinforced with the success of the health response to Covid.
The CEO of BBVA for Portugal presented the bank’s economic forecasts for Portugal, explaining that the numbers calculated by all institutions and agencies at this stage should be reviewed over the next few months. Even so, the institution led in Portugal by Luís Castro e Almeida predicts a recession of 6.5% for 2020 and a recovery of 4.2% in 2021, with a recovery in the level of economic activity to pre-crisis values not expected until 2022.
The Economist João Duque took for granted a scenario of economic and financial austerity for Portugal’s immediate future, highlighting the importance of public debt and commitments to the European Union as guidelines for government action. For the ISEG Professor, growth in 2021 will have to be very significant in order to compensate for this year’s recession.
The Director of News Diary explained why an approach between the PS and the PSD is expected, but not guaranteed, as a government solution for the country in the coming years and relativized the growth of anti-system movements in the country.
The initiative took place on May 26th, through digital platforms. Dozens of ambassadors from Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia participated, including the Apostolic Nuncio, large Portuguese companies, specialized agencies and academics.