Wages, fruits of growth, the Portuguese presidency does not exclude a debate

(B2) While Portugal has just taken over the presidency of the European Union (for the next six months), the Minister of Economy and Finance, whom we met, does not rule out a debate on wages and distribution of the fruits of growth.

"EU countries must pursue wage policies consistent with maintaining European competitiveness on a global scale. We cannot ignore that developments in wage costs at European level are the context that determines the competitiveness of the 'Europe on a global scale' cautiously believes Fernando Teixeira dos Santos. But "it seems to me that there will have to be an evolution. Even if we are not yet at a point where we can give conclusions applicable to all countries".

And to detail "Personally" his opinion, "Having a debate and an agreement so that employees can benefit from a share of growth, without this tarnishing competitiveness, is an important point". "We are socialists, after all!" But if we can agree on the principle, having the same solution from one country to another (is not adequate). Each country must agree on its solutions according to its own situation.