China's top political advisor Wang Huning on Wednesday called for further efforts to serve the country's economic and social development with high-quality advice and to ensure a strong start to the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).
Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks when addressing a symposium held to analyze the economic situation.
Wang called for studying and implementing the guiding principles of the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and the Central Economic Work Conference, and gaining a sound understanding of the overall requirements, policy priorities and major tasks of this year's economic work.
He highlighted the importance of thinking and acting in line with the CPC Central Committee's decisions and plans on economic work.
The CPPCC should carry out inspections and research tours focusing on major theoretical and practical issues related to economic and social development during the new five-year period, further enhance studies in the economic sector, and provide high-quality advice to support a good start to the 15th Five-Year Plan period, Wang said.
At the symposium, 11 national political advisors and an economic expert spoke on a range of topics, including the integration of technological innovation with industrial innovation, the promotion of consumption and investment, and the construction of a modern industrial system.
Wang Yong, vice chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, chaired the symposium.
China's top political advisor stresses boosting new five-year plan off to a good start
As Portugal's presidential race enters a runoff, voters are voicing frustration over housing, wages, healthcare, and education.
On Sunday, Portugal launched the first major election of Europe's 2026 political calendar. Voters on the streets of Lisbon were focused more on day-to-day issues.
"The issue I carry the most when I'm casting the vote is about our housing prices, because we are having a major crisis. Even for young people, it's really hard to buy our first house. And even renting, the prices in Lisbon are collapsing, even outside, even the outskirts are collapsing. And about our healthcare national system, because it's also collapsing. It's a very complicated issue. And I'm a teacher and when I cast my vote, I need to think about my profession and my future colleagues as well," said Maria.
"I'm concerned about things such as education in Portugal, the healthcare in Portugal, the wages which are pretty low compared to other countries in Europe. Basically for me those are the key points - education, health and wages. And right now, also the cost of living in Portugal is pretty high," said Juan.
Portugal's presidential election will proceed to a second round, with Antonio Jose Seguro leading the first round with 30.69 percent of the votes, according to data released by the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Internal Administration.
Chega party leader Andre Ventura placed second with 26.97 percent of the vote, followed by Luis Marques Mendes of the center-right Social Democratic Party in third place, with 14.82 percent.
The move to a runoff marks the first time in 40 years that a Portuguese presidential election has required a runoff between the two leading candidates.
The runoff vote is scheduled for Feb. 8, with the winner to be determined by a simple majority.
Portuguese voters prioritize housing, wages, healthcare as presidential race heads to runoff
