In a society with scarce resources, the only way to avoid conflict is through respect for private property: not interfering in the path to happiness of others, not interfering with their bodies, not interfering with their property, respecting a principle of non-aggression.
Private property represents the maximum freedom of action and personal expression in opposition to Marxist collectivism, which, by expropriating the individual of his property, making it common, eliminates his freedom and individuality, making him permeable to the action of a State.
In Portugal, in 2023, and even though neither the Portuguese Constitution nor the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union fully respect private property – since both provide that “no one may be deprived of his property, except for reasons of public utility” (article 17 – European Union property rights and article 62 on the right to private property), there is a loose end here about what “public utility” will be and, morally, why would the reader give up his property without doing so voluntarily, “in the public interest”?
For the Socialist Party, at this moment, the “public interest” is a matter of political survival. The government, which is absolute and has absorbed the State, has approved, on its own, a package of measures that, in addition to being immoral, are clearly flawed in their intended purpose.
Limits on rent increases for new contracts
A very well thought-out measure, if the aim is to put an end to contracts. Or houses for rent on the market. What risks will the owner be willing to take? How will he protect himself? Who will be harmed?
Incentive to change Local Accommodation houses to rentals through tax benefits
Of course, if this is not attractive enough to convince the owners, we can already talk about the next measure.
Extraordinary contribution on Local Accommodation
Directly, the owner either rents or pays another fee. Like a fine, for being a disobedient child to the State.
The question is, what will a local accommodation owner do if he has to pay yet another fee? Fire employees and increase prices. Ultimately, this measure jeopardizes jobs, including those of the owner himself.
Suspension of new Local Accommodation licenses
It seems that Local Accommodation is definitely the sacrificial lamb for the survival of the great Socialist State. With the exception of the interior, the issuing of new licenses is suspended.
End of golden visas
A country with around 277,742 unemployed people (data from July this year) and a tax burden that discourages the Portuguese from investing, now also wants to castrate foreign investment!
Forced rental of houses “considered” vacant
I say considered because the State will make this assessment together with the water, electricity and gas companies on how vacant the house is depending on this consumption or lack thereof.
Suddenly, data protection doesn’t seem so important anymore, does it? If it’s the State accessing it for the purpose of “public utility”.
Rent arrears
If new tenants do not pay their rent for three months… the State pays, or in simpler terms, we all pay, in a kind of forced volunteering.
All these measures represent an unprecedented attack on private property and market interventionism on a Soviet scale, with extremely dangerous medium- and long-term consequences that go beyond morality and economics. They are erratic, inconsequential and aim to deprive the individual of his natural right to private property and, ultimately, to work.
Politically, the arrogance of an absolute government, which wants, can and commands, and ignored an impartial and well-structured presidential veto. The consequences of the erratic measures now presented will be a problem for the next government to resolve. And, as always, the propaganda machine of the governing party will make the next ones responsible for today’s mistakes.
It was like this, it is like this, it will be like this. Even though today we may not be individually harmed by these measures, the national silence of the Portuguese is deafening… There is always a more obvious, more rosy, but media-friendly collective indignation… And, discreetly, we are losing the right to be, have and live as we want.
Not long ago, we accepted restrictions on freedom of movement. We accepted any warning on the internet when our words were not as they should be, in a strange circle that seems to be closing in slowly and gradually…
Yesterday it was freedom of movement. Today, freedom of expression and private property. And tomorrow?