1. The PCP considers of enormous gravity the decision to exclude from 5G networks – for alleged security reasons –the technology of countries that are not part of NATO, the EU, or the OECD.

This decision, which goes even further than what was "demanded" of the country by the US and the EU (in an unacceptable exercise of external imposition), is directed against countries like Brazil, China and India, which are not only some of the largest world economies but also traditional partners, with whom Portugal has developed economic relations for a long time.

The principle used, exclusively political, and solely based on the US purpose of protecting its economy and defending its hegemony on the world stage, threatens to expand to other economic areas based on the same assumptions.

The PCP considers that this is a dangerous path that deeply affects national interests which, sooner or later, will lead to economic retaliation.

2. This decision is taken yielding to years of threats by various US authorities – remember the 2019 visit to Portugal by the Trump Administration representative Mike Pompeo and the statements made in this regard – and following similar pressure from the EU, as is the case with the recent report on «Progress in the 5G Cybersecurity Toolbox implementation»

A decision contrary to national interests and contrary to the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic, which rightly points to «cooperation with all other peoples for the emancipation and progress of humanity».

3. The PCP underlines that, for Portugal, this decision will also imply the replacement of already installed equipment, with a cost that could reach around a billion euros, and whose replacement will end up by being paid by the State and the Portuguese people. It will also imply various delays in the development of telecommunication networks, namely due to greater difficulties in accessing crucial components. Delays that will end up also by being borne by MSMEs.

4. The PCP reaffirms that this policy harms the national economy, wastes public resources and, contrary to what is claimed, not only narrows the country's external relations, but is also part of and contributes to the escalation of confrontation promoted by the US and the EU.

For the PCP, it is necessary to stop this foolish, irresponsible, and dangerous path. Portugal must base its external relations, whether on the political, economic, or diplomatic levels, on criteria of sovereignty and national independence, mutual respect and cooperation. It must assume a policy that does not sacrifice the country's development and security, based on criteria of subservience that hold it captive and prevent its development.

The PCP will not fail to warn and fight this path, affirming the need for a different policy, patriotic and left-wing, whose goal is to defend the interests of the people and the country, ensuring development, cooperation and peace.