Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro addressed the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, calling for an end to the "collective masochism" driving up fuel prices. He emphasized that the current crisis is "insensate" and detrimental to all parties involved. Montenegro stressed the need for rapid action to mitigate the impact of the crisis and avoid repeating past mistakes. He highlighted the importance of learning from the 1970s crisis and finding ways to prevent similar situations in the future.
Montenegro proposed a reflection on the international oil price mechanism, questioning whether it is reasonable to be heavily dependent on speculative factors and financial market volatility. He suggested that this dependence can have far-reaching effects on production, even when instability originates from a limited source. The Prime Minister emphasized that the escalating fuel prices have severe economic and social impacts on all nations, with no country being immune to the effects.
In his speech, Montenegro appealed for an end to ongoing conflicts worldwide, including the aggressive actions of Iran and its associated armed groups. He called for the termination of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the guarantee of free navigation in the Red Sea. The Prime Minister's comments did not mention the role of the United States in the conflict. He also highlighted Portugal's commitment to accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources.
Montenegro reported that over 70% of Portugal's energy production comes from renewable sources and announced that the country has brought forward its carbon neutrality target from 2050 to 2045. He emphasized the importance of protecting the marine domain, combating ocean warming, and ensuring universal freedom of navigation. The Prime Minister's speech was part of a three-day official visit to the United States.
The Prime Minister's call for reflection on the oil price mechanism was part of a broader appeal for international cooperation to address the energy crisis. He emphasized that all nations have a duty to work together to mitigate the impact of the crisis and find solutions. Montenegro's comments were echoed by many countries facing similar challenges.
The energy crisis was a central theme of Montenegro's address to the UN General Assembly. He emphasized that the current situation is unsustainable and requires immediate attention from the international community. The Prime Minister's speech was well-received by attendees, who appreciated his candor and commitment to finding solutions.
Montenegro's visit to the United States concluded with his address to the UN General Assembly. He returned to Portugal later that day, bringing an end to his three-day official visit. The Prime Minister's comments at the UN General Assembly were recorded by RecordTV Cabo Verde, a Portuguese-language news outlet.
Key points
- Portugal's Prime Minister Luís Montenegro calls for an end to "collective masochism" driving up fuel prices at the UN General Assembly.
- Montenegro proposes a global reflection on the international oil price mechanism to mitigate the impact of the energy crisis.
- Portugal aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, with over 70% of its energy production coming from renewable sources.
