Dear comrades, guests, representatives of national youth structures and organisations, international delegations here present from various parts of the world, to all of you, on behalf of the Portuguese Communist Party, I extend a warm greeting. I extend a special greeting to all comrades of the Portuguese Communist Youth, to all those who, in various services, ensure the smooth running of the Congress, to the delegates, to the guests, to those who are here, to those who could not come, to the newly elected National Leadership, and to each of the collectives.

A warm welcome to everyone attending this session, where we mark the 112th. anniversary of the birth of comrade Álvaro Cunhal. This unique figure in contemporary Portugal, a fighter for freedom and democracy and a beacon in the struggle for social and human emancipation in our Country and around the world. Álvaro Cunhal dedicated his entire life, as leader of the PCP and anti-fascist fighter, to the cause of the workers, his people and his Country.

The Country has the means and resources that are essential to strengthen public services. Fiscal justice is therefore necessary to reduce taxes on low and middle incomes and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and tax the profits of large economic groups and multinationals. A policy is needed to tackle the scandalous favouritism shown to economic groups. In the scope of the discussion of the State Budget for 2026, the PCP today submitted 15 proposals that demonstrate that fiscal justice and combating tax evasion are possible.

1. Yesterday, searches were carried out by the Judicial Police and the Public Prosecutor's Office involving Novo Banco, KPMG and other entities related to the management of that institution's assets, on the very same day that the Government and the Resolution Fund signed the process for the sale of Novo Banco to the buyer BPCE.