Portugal is a calm country in the west of Europe. It ranks third in the list of the best places to live. Everything is done to improve the quality of life in this country. The country is attractive, especially for migrants. About 15 thousand Belarusians, 11 thousand Moldovans and 52 thousand Ukrainians live in Portugal. Because of recent events, the number of emigrants has increased. What consequences this will bring for the country is unknown.

Portugal improves the quality of life in the country

We know Portugal for its active social policy. The main reason for this is the socialist party, which remains the main one in parliament; it was formed in 1973 and has repeatedly come to power. Portugal’s policy was formed on the principles of social solidarity and a perfect society. In Portugal, we can see one phenomenon – the high level of national identity of the Portuguese, which has been formed over the centuries.

One example that confirms the creation of a solidarity society in Portugal concerns the reduction of the income gap. The government has increased the income tax for the rich and financially supports the poor. At the same time, the unemployment rate in the country is lower than in Spain and Italy.

In the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic, there are several laws that are aimed at creating a welfare state. Article 63 is called “Social Security and Solidarity” and states:

Everyone has the right to social security

The state creates a unified system of social security

The state guarantees citizens social protection against illness, unemployment and other situations.

Article 9, point “d” specifies the primary tasks of the state: to promote the welfare and quality of life of the population and real equality between the Portuguese.

The Portuguese themselves like this policy. Thanks to this, everyone pays taxes and there is no mutual hatred or competition. Now Portugal has low prices for education, medicine and a high level of security. The government of the country creates favorable conditions for business development.

Utopia can be destroyed

Migrants also loved Portugal. Every year, their number increases. Now this problem has become more urgent because of the war on the territory of Ukraine. Many refugees came to Portugal not only from Ukraine, but also from Russia. Foreigners cannot support the phenomenon of national identity, thereby destroying the country’s system.

Among these refugees, one can single out Alexander Mikhailovich Kopylkov, who on February 24 evacuated to Lisbon with his family. He is the founder of 50 companies in Russia. The main company, MIC was one of the largest construction companies in Moscow and the Moscow region.

Alexander Kopylkov and his ex-wife Anna Kopylkova (potentially their divorce was used as a way to withdraw money from Russia to bypass taxes)

Kopylkov himself is known as a corrupt official and criminal authority. His company MMC signed contracts with the National Guard. Houses for military personnel were much more expensive than for ordinary citizens. He earned 290 million euros on these contracts, but it would be more correct to say he stole from the state.

Kopylkov’s apartment in Lisbon

Living in Lisbon, Kopylkov will not pay full taxes in Portugal. Because his business is located in Russia, and the budget of Portugal will have a minimal part of his income. It is likely that he will start a “shadow business” in order to avoid paying taxes and earn more for his own good.

Another nuance of Kopylkov’s stay in Portugal concerns cooperation with the National Guard. Because of this, he can fall under the sanctions that constantly appear against Russia and entrepreneurs. What actions he will take in this case is unknown.

Portugal is a beautiful country where everything is done for people and improving the quality of life. And the citizens of this country support the economy and equality between the population.

Persons like Alexander Kopylkov can negatively influence the development of Portugal. Living in Russia, he is used to the fact that you can earn money through corruption. Kopylkov can use such schemes of activity in Portugal.

The Portuguese pay taxes and do not hide their income from the state, which cannot be said about Kopylkov. Will he be able to behave like all the Portuguese and conduct an honest business? There is little chance that this will happen.