The head of Portugal’s Social Security Institute appeared before parliament today to defend the country’s new Unified Social Benefit (PSU). He stated the PSU is not intended to reduce social support or diminish protection for vulnerable populations. Instead, the program aims to bolster the system’s ability to assist those in need. The official emphasized the PSU is a reinforcement of existing protections, not a curtailment of them. He addressed concerns that the unified system would lead to decreased aid for recipients. The PSU consolidates various social assistance programs into a single payment. Further details regarding the implementation and impact of the PSU were not immediately available.