The Portuguese government on Monday announced a package of measures worth €2.4 billion, about 10% of GDP, to help households cope with rising inflation, including lower tax on energy.
The socialist government also plans to provide direct support to families and increase pensions, Prime Minister Antonio Costa said at a news conference.
In concrete terms, every Portuguese who earns up to €2,700 gross per month will receive 125 euros, plus 50 euros per child. The plan, which has been given the name 'Family first,' consists of eight measures.
The new €2.4-billion package is in addition to the €1.6 billion in aid that has already been disbursed until September. "It's been thirty years since we've seen such a sharp and sudden rise in the cost of living," Costa said. He added that care should be taken "not to encourage a spiral of inflation."
