In the report accompanying the proposed State Budget for 2026 (OE2026), submitted to Parliament by the Minister of Finance, the Ministry of Justice (MJ) sets a target of a 5% increase in prison spaces compared to the previous year, to improve prison conditions and reduce overcrowding.

In a response to Lusa, the MJ presents the objective as an "ambitious goal" and explains that it must be achieved through a combination of two factors: prison renovations and the implementation of alternative sentences.

"Despite promoting the enforcement of alternative sentences to deprivation of liberty, the ambitious 5% target is also expected to be achieved by increasing the number of available places in the prison system, optimising prison facilities and rehabilitating vacant areas," but also through ongoing construction, "taking into account the increase in the number of citizens deprived of liberty," the Ministry of Justice stated.

The Government also allocates 34 million euros for social reintegration objectives, namely improving the employability of ex-prisoners by 20% and reducing criminal recidivism.

There is also 292 million euros for rehabilitation programs and renovations in prisons and educational centres, particularly reception and visiting rooms.