“If Luís Montenegro continues as Prime Minister, we will have to assess the pertinence of a parliamentary inquiry, and if others who originally suggested the idea [referring to the PS] do not wish to proceed, Livre is open to considering this possibility,” Rui Tavares stated after a visit to the Associação Refúgio dos Gatos do Bairro in Seixal, Setúbal district.
Accompanied by the first deputy elected from Setúbal, Paulo Muacho, the Livre leader acknowledged that proposing a parliamentary inquiry is not the party’s usual inclination, noting that Livre does not typically exploit this parliamentary tool.
On the ninth day of the electoral campaign, Rui Tavares reiterated that Livre has lacked political confidence in the Prime Minister from the outset, claiming that Montenegro refused to provide full clarity regarding his family business.
“We must recognize that he is someone who is not being transparent with us, making his continuation as Prime Minister bad news for Portuguese politics,” he stated.
The Livre leader expressed concern that Luís Montenegro is unconcerned by the fact that Spinumviva “could be a potential vehicle of influence,” stirring unease.
“If Luís Montenegro were to remain Prime Minister, all his decisions on matters impacting, directly or indirectly, those companies that are clients of Spinumviva would be under a shadow of suspicion that should not exist,” he emphasized.
He questioned how Luís Montenegro would react as the opposition leader if the issue involved a Prime Minister from a different political party.
Rui Tavares also criticized Montenegro for his confrontation with a journalist questioning him about Spinumviva, noting, “This discomfort, irritation, and frustration in answering questions is terrible news for press freedom.”
In the March 10, 2024, legislative elections, Livre secured its first deputy from Setúbal, obtaining 21,552 votes (4.29%).
