Between the weak and the braggart, young people need Government

They say that at 18 we receive the key to freedom. The problem is that, in Portugal, that key rarely opens a door.

A recent study has once again confirmed what we already knew: young Portuguese continue to leave their parents' home, on average, at age 29. The most worrying thing? This number has been virtually stagnant since 2005.

At 29, many young people remain in the house where they grew up. And those who leave often don't achieve the much-vaunted independence. They live in shared housing, with very difficult rents and the feeling that everything is temporary. For too many young people, "emancipation" is not yet a natural stage in life.

Our population is aging, and young people who should be working and starting families are still unable to take that step.

In the State of the Nation debate, the Socialist Party (PS) and Chega decided to play politics. The Chega leader called the Socialist Party leader a "weakling." The Socialist Party leader responded by calling the Chega leader a "braggart." That was the level of it. And, in the midst of the spectacle, the youth appeared, used as a weapon by those who never presented credible solutions.

The Socialist Party had the time, resources, and a majority to act, and yet it failed. Always. It left us with low wages, precarious contracts, and an entire generation living in limbo, between their parents' homes and the airport to leave the country.

On the other hand, there are those who specialize in making noise. Youth serves them to spark controversy, to generate calculated clicks and outrage. They point the finger at the system, but always shy away from the work involved in building a meaningful future.

Between being weak and braggart, the AD has been in the middle. Working, governing, and presenting measures with real impact.

In the State of the Nation debate, the Prime Minister left us a clear message: Portugal is regaining its autonomy. Financial stability has been restored, investment has increased, real income has grown at a rate not seen in 16 years, and a general reduction in the tax burden is being prepared. This is, without a doubt, a new cycle.

And so this is the right time to also give real freedom back to young people.

Measures with a direct impact on the lives of young people have already been launched: exemption from IMT (Import Property Tax) and Stamp Duty on first-time home purchases, a public guarantee for those up to 35 years old seeking credit, increased affordable rental income, the expansion and simplification of the IRS Jovem (Youth Income Tax), and a clear commitment to returning income to families.

It's still not enough, and no one hides it. But for the first time in a long time, there's a plan. A direction. A commitment.

That's why the key to freedom can't remain merely symbolic. Because true autonomy begins there. In the ability to close the door to childhood and open, with dignity, the first door to adulthood. And that implies having the means. Having a choice.

Portugal is a stronger country today. It's up to us to ensure that this strength is transformed into opportunities, that it opens doors instead of closing them.