Portugal Proposes Maria Luis Albuquerque for European Commission

LISBON (Reuters) – Portugal’s centre-right government proposed on Wednesday Maria Luis Albuquerque, a former finance minister known for her austerity measures post-bailout, for a role in the new European Commission.

Albuquerque, 56, oversaw public financial stabilization from 2013 to 2015 after the 2011 bailout, implementing significant austerity measures like salary and pension cuts.

Prime Minister Luis Montenegro emphasized the importance of member states offering their best talents for the benefit of all Europeans, without specifying Albuquerque’s exact role in the Commission, although an economic position is anticipated.

Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, recently reelected for a second term, is selecting her new team, which consists of a commissioner from each of the EU’s 27 member states.

The nomination faced criticism from opposition members. Socialist lawmaker Pedro Delgado Alves accused Albuquerque of being “directly responsible for a series of severe measures for the country,” while Fabian Figueiredo from the Left Bloc labeled her an “agent of the troika,” referring to the European institutions involved in Portugal’s financial aid.

The previous unpopular centre-right government fell in 2015, leading to a Socialist administration that continued fiscal consolidation and achieved notable economic growth, maintaining budget surpluses and reducing public debt below 100% of GDP.

Montenegro’s centre-right coalition won the March election but lacks a parliamentary majority, complicating legislative approval processes. A significant challenge will arise with the 2025 budget vote later this year.

Portugal’s outgoing representative in the EU Commission is Elisa Ferreira, who managed the cohesion and reforms portfolio.