Public advocates for ongoing cash handouts in next year’s Policy Address

The Government Information Bureau (GCS) announced that the government concluded its collection of public feedback on the 2026 Policy Address late last month, receiving 3,548 suggestions, with the top three concerns being “cash handouts,” “employment,” and “transportation issues beyond public transit.”

According to a GCS statement issued on Friday, these three issues accounted for 7.10%, 6.94%, and 5.46% of total opinions, respectively.

Within the livelihood sector, there was strong support for maintaining cash handouts and optimizing their application procedures, along with calls for increased social security benefits such as pensions and disability allowances.

Additionally, suggestions included adjusting the number of non-local employees, protecting local residents’ jobs, raising the minimum wage, promoting electric vehicles, increasing parking spaces, and enhancing traffic enforcement.

The GCS reported that, during the current round of public consultation, it received a total of 3,548 submissions from local residents since 2017 and 2018. Notably, approximately 96.06% of these submissions were made through the “Macao One Account.”

After thorough analysis, the submissions were distilled into 7,942 individual opinions and suggestions, presented in Chinese, Portuguese, English, and other languages.

“This reflects strong engagement from diverse communities,” the GCS stated, noting that the government plans to integrate feasible suggestions and recommendations into its Policy Address for next year.

Among the key areas of concern highlighted by participants, the top three policy domains are “Livelihood Welfare and Services” with 2,232 opinions (28.10%), “Employment and Labor Rights” with 1,199 opinions (15.10%), and “Transportation” with 643 opinions (8.10%).

Further down the list, Public Administration and Culture, Education, and Sports garnered 6.69% and 6.41% of the total opinions, respectively, among a range of opinions and suggestions encompassing various areas such as livelihood, economic diversification, and regional development.