The CFP's own projection shows a 0.1 percent deficit in 2027, a gap it calls immaterial. It thinks the interest bill is overestimated, notes a central-state deficit of 2.8 percent of GDP, and finds net expenditure breaking the EU limit.
The new Court of Auditors law passed its final vote with PSD, CDS and IL in favour. Prior clearance now starts at 7.5 million euros, not 750,000, with more checks after the fact. The decree goes to the President, who can ask the Constitutional Court to review it.
The Government expects 2.3 percent growth this year and 2.1 percent in 2027, a 0.1 percent surplus and debt at 84.5 percent of GDP. The fiscal council endorses the forecasts but says 2027 growth is the most optimistic around and this year's inflation figure is unlikely.
Overdue public bills rose 294 million euros in August alone, after a June law cut the grace period from 90 days to 30. The public accounts' surplus is down to 249 million euros.
The court could not certify the 2025 accounts, which still lack consolidated statements. It makes 57 recommendations and flags pensions, tax debt and EU funds.
More than a billion euros in undue payments were registered and 70 percent has come back, the cohesion agency says. Most of the rest is with the tax authority, and not a euro of the Serrão case has been recovered.
The former finance minister and Bank of Portugal governor says the surplus only exists thanks to Social Security, that Portugal squandered its cushion, and that politics needs a new "three-legged table".
