Key Benefits:
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PROPOSED LAW NO. 134 /X
Exhibition of Motives
The Grand Options of the Plan for 2008 present a balance of the governing action
in 2006-2007 and identify the main policies approved and implemented during
this period of governance, in accordance with the five strategic options firmed up in the
Major Options of the Plan for the legislature (2005-2009).
For 2008, the policy performance lines provided for in the Major Plan Options
remain consistent with the sustainable development strategy delineated for
Portugal, based on raising the growth potential of the economy and promotion
of social and territorial cohesion, in a framework of strengthening human capital and the
sustainability of public finances. These guidelines are consistent with the
advocating in other medium and long-term policy instruments, specifically
the National Plan for Growth and Employment (PNACE), the Stability Programme
and Growth (PEC) and the National Strategic Reference Framework (QREN).
The great options of public investment policy in 2008, properly balled
by the ongoing fiscal consolidation process, follow the strategy of progressive
reorientation to the areas of knowledge and qualification of human resources,
viewed as the main levers of the country's economic and social development.
Of the public initiative investment projects to be developed, the focus will be on
focused on the relative to the Simplification and Modernization of the Public Administration, to the
Knowledge and Innovation Networks, to the programme "Ligar Portugal", to the plan " Portugal
Logistics ", to the National Strategy for Energy, to the Valorisation of Basic Education, à
"Initiative New Opportunities" and the Network of Community Services of Proximity.
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The Grand Options of the Plan for 2008 have been submitted to the Council's opinion
Economic and Social and the said opinion has been taken into account in the drafting of the document
final now submitted for approval.
Thus:
Under the terms of the paragraph d) of Article 197 (1) of the Constitution, the Government presents to the
Assembly of the Republic the following proposal for a law:
Article 1.
Subject
The Grand Options of the Plan for 2008 are approved.
Article 2.
Strategic framework
The Big Options of the Plan for 2008 are to be found in the development strategy
economic and social of the country defined in the Programme of the XVII Constitutional Government, in the
Major Options of the Plan for 2005-2009, in the National Action Plan for the
Growth and Employment (PNACE), in the Stability and Growth Plan (PEC) and in the
National Strategic Reference Framework (QREN).
Article 3.
European context
Portugal should continue to strengthen its role in European construction, notably
through the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy, the completion of the programme of the trio of
Presidency and participation in the debate on the future Constitutional Treaty.
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Article 4.
Big Plan Options
1-The Major Options of the Plan for 2008 present the state of the implementation of the action
governs in 2006-2007 and the initiatives to be implemented in 2008 that allow
concretize the guidelines advocated in medium-and long-term instruments
referred to in Article 2.
2-The priorities for 2008 focus on the implementation of policies that target
raise the growth potential of the economy and promote development
sustainable country in a framework of consolidated public finance and strengthening of the
social and territorial cohesion being the main areas of intervention as follows:
a) Raising the potential for economic growth and employment through the
promotion of knowledge and qualification of human resources, of the
scientific, technological development and innovation and competition, as
strategy to modernize the productive structure and potentiate competitiveness
of the Portuguese companies;
b) Promotion of social cohesion through active policies that allow to create
equality of opportunity, get bigger and better education, more gains from
health, and the creation of employment;
c) Consolidation and sustainability of public finances through reduction
structural of public expenditure and a qualitative improvement of the process,
control and budgetary implementation, in line with the Programme of
Stability and Growth;
d) Modernization of the State and Public Administration that allows for satisfaction
of the increasing expectations of citizens and companies in the search for information
and of accessible and high quality services, promoting a culture of
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excellence in the provision of public services;
e) Sustainable development as a form of resource optimization and
harnessing synergies that enable a growth and development
balanced and lasting.
3-The investment priorities set out in the Major Plan Options for 2008
will be contemplated and compatibilised in the framework of the State Budget for
2008, and properly articulated with the National Strategic Reference Framework.
4-In the year 2008, the Government will act in the legislative, regulatory framework and
administrative, so as to realize the realization, in each of the areas, of the
targets set out in the Major Options of the Plan for 2005-2009.
Article 5.
Final disposition
It is published in annex to this Law, of which it is an integral part, the document of the
Big Plan Options for 2008.
Seen and approved in Council of Ministers of May 3, 2007
The Prime Minister
The Minister of State and Finance
The Minister of the Presidency
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The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs