Mr. Prime Minister, a preliminary note: MP Mr. Hugo Soares kindly brought up the issues surrounding the labour package but managed to spend eight minutes talking about the labour package without mentioning a single measure contained in it. It should also be noted that CHEGA and Iniciativa Liberal tried to sidestep this issue, but Mr. Prime Minister, I would like to ask three specific questions.

The ongoing mobilisation for the General Strike, with the support of a wide range of sectors, is already a powerful demonstration of rejection of the Labour Package that the Government and the rest of the right-wing, serving the interests of employers, intend to impose, in a serious setback for rights and an unacceptable worsening of the exploitation of workers. The more the Minister of Labour attacks the workers, the clearer the intentions of the Government and employers become, the more unity grows, and the conviction increases that this struggle is just.

Dear comrades, guests, representatives of national youth structures and organisations, international delegations here present from various parts of the world, to all of you, on behalf of the Portuguese Communist Party, I extend a warm greeting. I extend a special greeting to all comrades of the Portuguese Communist Youth, to all those who, in various services, ensure the smooth running of the Congress, to the delegates, to the guests, to those who are here, to those who could not come, to the newly elected National Leadership, and to each of the collectives.

A warm welcome to everyone attending this session, where we mark the 112th. anniversary of the birth of comrade Álvaro Cunhal. This unique figure in contemporary Portugal, a fighter for freedom and democracy and a beacon in the struggle for social and human emancipation in our Country and around the world. Álvaro Cunhal dedicated his entire life, as leader of the PCP and anti-fascist fighter, to the cause of the workers, his people and his Country.