The Ministry of Justice will allocate 11 million euros to increase the number of places in prisons by 5%, not only promoting works in the establishments, but in conjunction with promoting the fulfillment of alternative sentences to imprisonment.
In the report that accompanies the proposed State Budget for 2026 (OE2026), delivered on Thursday to parliament by the Minister of Finance, the Ministry of Justice (MJ) sets the objective of a 5% increase in places in prisons compared to the previous year, to improve conditions of imprisonment and reduce overcrowding.
In response to Lusa, the MJ presents the objective as an “ambitious goal” and explains that it must be achieved by the combination of two factors: works in prisons and fulfillment of alternative sentences.
“Despite the promotion of the fulfillment of alternative sentences to deprivation of liberty, it is intended that compliance with the ambitious target of 5% will also be achieved by increasing the number of places available in the prison system, by optimizing prison establishments and rehabilitating unoccupied areas”but also with ongoing construction, “taking into account the increase in the number of citizens deprived of their liberty”said the MJ.
The Government also allocates 34 million euros for social reintegration objectives, namely improving the employability of ex-prisoners by 20% and reducing criminal recidivism.
There is also 292 million euros for rehabilitation programs and works in prisons and educational centers, particularly in reception and visiting rooms.
The Government delivered the OE2026 proposal to parliament on Thursday, on the eve of the deadline and three days before Sunday’s local elections.
In the macroeconomic scenario, the PSD/CDS-PP Government predicts that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will grow 2% this year and 2.3% in 2026.
The executive intends to achieve surpluses of 0.3% of GDP this year and 0.1% next year. As for the debt ratio, it is estimated to reduce to 90.2% of GDP in 2025 and 87.8% in 2026.
The proposal will be discussed and voted on in general between October 27th and 28th. The final global vote is scheduled for November 27th, after the specialty debate process.