Hugo Soares, leading the national tour for PSD due to Luís Montenegro’s role as prime minister at the informal European Council in Copenhagen, addressed the issue at an event in Quarteira Market (Loulé).
The president of the Assembly of the Republic, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, deemed it timely on Tuesday to initiate a debate regarding the revision of the Code of Conduct for deputies, with possible sanctions, emphasizing that it is within the parliamentary groups’ remit to drive this initiative.
“Democracy indeed relies on heated debates, with determination, but we often exceed the rules of civility and respect, primarily concerning education, leading often to insults. I believe it’s worth revisiting the Code of Conduct,” stated Hugo Soares today.
He asserted that such a revision should always ensure the right to freedom of expression, while aspiring for a more elevated debate.
When asked if sanctions for deputies should be included in this Code, Hugo Soares found such a prospect “very difficult.”
“But what sanctions could there be? Loss of mandate, financial penalties, as seen in other parliaments? I struggle to understand what type of sanctions might be implemented, but I am open to this dialogue,” he remarked.
In response to whether PSD would initiate any proposals, he responded negatively.
“No, PSD will not take that first step. PSD is currently focused on issues that affect people’s lives. If that matter arises in parliament, we will contribute to solutions,” he replied, allowing that other parties or the president of the parliament might initiate it.
On Monday, the president of the Assembly of the Republic urged parliamentary groups to drive the revision process, recalling that PS and Livre had indicated this intention in the previous legislature.
