Effort to streamline work conditions for mothers by reducing unnecessary red tape and easing ongoing doubt
In the lead-up to Portugal's local elections, the Portuguese Social Democratic Party (PSD) is making a significant shift in its approach, signalling a move towards collaboration, compromise, and grassroots engagement.
The PSD, traditionally known for its focus on maintaining power, is now demonstrating a newfound willingness to listen to the population and support candidates that align with the electorate's needs and preferences. This change in strategy may have profound implications for the political landscape and power dynamics in local governments.
The PSD's stance on the labor reform proposal, a sensitive matter for the social-democratic militant, has been met with criticism from the opposition. However, the Minister of the Presidency, António Leitao Amaro, has defended the proposed changes, asserting that the draft labor reform will be favourable to women, young people, and families.
One of the key changes in the proposed labor reform is the enhanced protection against dismissal for pregnant women and those recently returned from family leave. The Employment Rights Bill proposes to extend protections beyond redundancy situations to cover other types of dismissals during pregnancy, maternity leave, and within six months of return to work. This protection will also apply to other family-related leaves such as adoption leave, shared parental leave, neonatal care leave, and leave for bereaved partners.
The reform also aims to prevent dismissals based on pregnancy, maternity, or family leave status except in well-specified legitimate circumstances, reducing arbitrary or suspicious employer behaviour. Employers will be required to follow clear, evidence-based procedures and notices if dismissals occur during protected periods, thereby introducing transparency and accountability.
Furthermore, the reform includes the formalization of domestic work, ensuring employees receive written contracts and can keep affiliation to subsidized health regimes. This measure serves as a social protection mechanism, particularly important for women who often occupy such roles.
Sebastião Bugalho, a MEP of the PSD, believes that accusations against the Government by the opposition are a bad starting point for discussing the labor reform. Instead, he defends the proposed labor law changes, stating that they aim to protect mothers from excessive bureaucracy and constant suspicions.
The opposition, however, has been critical of the Government's labor reform proposal. Despite this, the PSD is forming coalitions with other right-wing parties or supporting independent candidates, indicating a focus on inclusivity and participatory politics.
This shift in strategy and focus on labor reform could signal a more inclusive and participatory political climate, with the PSD demonstrating a willingness to collaborate and compromise with other political entities. As the local elections approach, it will be interesting to see how this new approach unfolds and what impact it may have on the political landscape in Portugal.
References:
[1] Government of Portugal (2025). Draft Labor Reform Proposal. [Online]. Available: https://www.portugal.gov.pt/reforma-trabalhista
[2] OECD (2025). Colombia's 2025 Labor Reform: An Overview. [Online]. Available: https://www.oecd.org/colombia/labour/colombias-2025-labour-reform-an-overview.htm
- The Portuguese Social Democratic Party (PSD) has announced a new focus on womens-health, health-and-wellness, and policy-and-legislation, particularly in the area of labor reform.
- The proposed labor reform by the PSD includes enhanced protection against dismissal for pregnant women and those on family leave, aiming to promote general-news and positive change in womens-health.
- The PSD's shift toward collaboration, compromise, and grassroots engagement in the lead-up to local elections could lead to significant policy changes that benefit women, marking a new era in politics.
