The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, addressed journalists in Lajes das Flores, in the Azorean island of Flores, confirming that the recent leadership change at the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) was conducted according to the criteria set by CReSAP.
“Therefore, the conditions of the law were met, meaning applications were submitted […] and among the candidates, priorities and a hierarchy were established based on the criteria which produced a certain result. It’s an application of the law and, in this sense, we must respect the application of the law,” stated Rebelo de Sousa.
He emphasized that the legal procedure was adhered to in appointing the successor to Sérgio Janeiro.
“The law was followed, which I consider appropriate. The administrative requirements were met, which I view positively. Thirdly, there is now a definitive solution; previously, it was a temporary replacement, and permanent solutions, which are longer-term, are always preferred over temporary ones, awaiting the outcome of a naturally slow process.”
He concluded by noting, “All of this, theoretically, is good. Then we will see about the rest, which naturally has to do with leadership, the leadership’s agenda, and the restructuring of the institute.”
When asked about his expectations for the new leader of INEM, Rebelo de Sousa indicated he would comment later when he discusses a “global vision for health.”
“INEM plays a crucial role in this global vision for health, and it needs to perform this mission well because it is in the national interest, and it’s in the interest of the Portuguese people,” the head of state added.
The Ministry of Health today confirmed that the president of INEM, Sérgio Janeiro, is to be replaced by one of the two other candidates endorsed by the Public Administration Recruitment and Selection Commission (CReSAP).
A source from the Ministry of Health clarified to Lusa that Sérgio Janeiro has not been dismissed but will be replaced.
Sérgio Janeiro, Nélson Pereira, and Luís Cabral were the three candidates validated by CReSAP, with the source stating only that Sérgio Janeiro will not continue as the president of INEM.
The competition for the position of INEM president was initiated in January this year but was paused due to the scheduling of early legislative elections in May, with Sérgio Janeiro remaining as an interim appointee since July 2024 for a 60-day term.
According to the Statute of Leadership Personnel, appointments to senior management positions cannot occur from the convening of parliamentary elections to the swearing-in of the new Government.
The selection process for the new president of INEM commenced on January 6 and concluded on January 19, following an initial call that lacked sufficient candidates.
Today, several media outlets reported that Health Minister Ana Paula Martins dismissed Sérgio Janeiro on Thursday night and chose Luís Cabral as his successor.
The President of the Republic began a visit to the islands of Flores and Corvo in the Azores today.
This afternoon, he visited the port of Lajes das Flores and was informed about investments made by the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) in the archipelago. Later, he went to the village of Santa Cruz das Flores for interactions with residents.
