João Oliveira, from PCP, is the European Parliament’s rapporteur for the EU’s first strategy to combat poverty

João Oliveira, deputy of the PCP, currently holds role as rapporteur of the European Parliament for the first European Union (EU) strategy to combat poverty. The information was disseminated by the PCP’s advisory services at the European Parliament, mentioning that “the report has already been approved by the Employment and Social Affairs Committee and will be discussed and voted on at the February Plenary Session.” In this document, poverty is equated with a “violation of human dignity” as it “compromises the full exercise of human rights.”

The report addresses “the unequal distribution of wealth, which can only be eradicated if there is a fairer distribution”. Assuming the objective of eradicating poverty in the EU by 2035, the document emphasizes that this target must be considered in all relevant EU sectoral policies.

The report highlights “the need for significant improvement in working conditions and the promotion of labor rights, guaranteeing fair wages, full employment, work-life balance, and access to public and universal social security systems” and also focuses on the “galloping and widespread increase in rents and house prices that deprives millions of people of decent and affordable housing.” Therefore, the document also states the need to expand and requalify public housing stock.”

The proposal also calls for a significant reorientation of the EU budget, prioritizing responses to social problems worsened by the rising cost of living. The text will be voted on in the European Parliament later this month, and could mark a more ambitious social direction for the European Union. João Oliveira has been one of the most active voices in this field in Europe, presenting several letters to this effect.