Nancy, thank you for doing the work of researching and explaining the upcoming presidential election. Though the information is out there, many of us need it encapsulated, as you have done. Moving to a new country with a different language is a perplexing puzzle, so thank you for your patience and hard work as our advocate. We all know that you are doing this to help others, for no profit, and we love what you write! Keep warm and enjoy Portugal!
There are problems with immigration in every “developed” country. I have often thought about the underlying causes which make people want to immigrate. The developed countries seem only interested in exploiting resources from the lesser developed countries, or controlling regimes that favor their own economic or geo-political interests. The result is those undeveloped countries stay undeveloped. Their economies cannot provide for their own people. This condition fosters social strife, internal warfare, ethnic conflicts, sickness and hunger, such that people see their most hopeful choice is to immigrate.
We need to elect leaders willing to address those problems underlying immigration, not to scape-goat immigrants blaming them for our own.
Just my opinion.
It is very telling to see all the billboards and posters put up for Ventura/CHEGA not just here in VRSA, but all over Portugal. They have a lot of money. Where are they getting it? Hmmm.
I've noticed the state of health care and have seen a good friend wait 2 years for an op on his thigh while hobbling around at work. Finally he had been seen and the difference is amazing - meaning he can put in more effort to work. We have poor waiting lists too in the UK and it is about time governments realised that clearing all these problems would enhance the lives of the sufferers and that the economic effect would be beneficial to the country.
In March, I celebrate 25 years of living in Portugal. I am disturbed by the current political situation where an admitted Fascist, Andre Ventura, has a chance to be elected. His party shows all the definitions of Fascism. They blame all the country's problems on immigrants like you and me. This year, I will attempt to gain my Portuguese citizenship, which I qualify to have, just so I can vote against all Fascists! Ventura blames the problems in health care on undocumented immigrants using health care. The problem is not this. Many companies, large and small, hire or use immigrants and then pay them under the table so they do not have to pay the appropriate taxes to the government. The government looks the other way! There is no excuse for this since it is very easy to apply for a NIB and then be hired as temporary or contracted labor legally. It took me one afternoon to do this in 2001 when I arrived here and declared my profession, and was issued a green receipt book and instructed how to fill it out, and started working immediately performing at the CCB legally. Now when an employer contracts temporary labor, all they need is the NIB and all the paperwork and tax deductions are electronic. Who knows how much tax revenue is cheated out of the government that should be used for health care and social services?!
Nancy, thank you for doing the work of researching and explaining the upcoming presidential election. Though the information is out there, many of us need it encapsulated, as you have done. Moving to a new country with a different language is a perplexing puzzle, so thank you for your patience and hard work as our advocate. We all know that you are doing this to help others, for no profit, and we love what you write! Keep warm and enjoy Portugal!
There are problems with immigration in every “developed” country. I have often thought about the underlying causes which make people want to immigrate. The developed countries seem only interested in exploiting resources from the lesser developed countries, or controlling regimes that favor their own economic or geo-political interests. The result is those undeveloped countries stay undeveloped. Their economies cannot provide for their own people. This condition fosters social strife, internal warfare, ethnic conflicts, sickness and hunger, such that people see their most hopeful choice is to immigrate.
We need to elect leaders willing to address those problems underlying immigration, not to scape-goat immigrants blaming them for our own.
Just my opinion.
It is very telling to see all the billboards and posters put up for Ventura/CHEGA not just here in VRSA, but all over Portugal. They have a lot of money. Where are they getting it? Hmmm.
Excellent summary as usual, Nancy!
I've noticed the state of health care and have seen a good friend wait 2 years for an op on his thigh while hobbling around at work. Finally he had been seen and the difference is amazing - meaning he can put in more effort to work. We have poor waiting lists too in the UK and it is about time governments realised that clearing all these problems would enhance the lives of the sufferers and that the economic effect would be beneficial to the country.
I dread the thought of Chega..........
In March, I celebrate 25 years of living in Portugal. I am disturbed by the current political situation where an admitted Fascist, Andre Ventura, has a chance to be elected. His party shows all the definitions of Fascism. They blame all the country's problems on immigrants like you and me. This year, I will attempt to gain my Portuguese citizenship, which I qualify to have, just so I can vote against all Fascists! Ventura blames the problems in health care on undocumented immigrants using health care. The problem is not this. Many companies, large and small, hire or use immigrants and then pay them under the table so they do not have to pay the appropriate taxes to the government. The government looks the other way! There is no excuse for this since it is very easy to apply for a NIB and then be hired as temporary or contracted labor legally. It took me one afternoon to do this in 2001 when I arrived here and declared my profession, and was issued a green receipt book and instructed how to fill it out, and started working immediately performing at the CCB legally. Now when an employer contracts temporary labor, all they need is the NIB and all the paperwork and tax deductions are electronic. Who knows how much tax revenue is cheated out of the government that should be used for health care and social services?!
Very good points. Thanks for sharing your experience after 25 years.
Thank you, this is really helpful! I interviewed some people voting today and it was interesting to see how things are panning out here
Ugh on your continued flooring issues, but glad you found someone to work on it.
With 14 names on the ballot, vice 11, will the election be declared invalid? (Cuz that’s the current American way)
I doubt it...well it depends on who wins whether or not it is the American way
Are you encouraged or disenchanted with the results?