The Portuguese prison system is facing severe challenges, according to statements made by André Ventura, leader of the Chega party, in the Assembleia da República. Ventura claimed, “The prison system is imploding […] It is not the guards watching the prisoners, but the prisoners watching the guards. More prisoners would escape today if they wanted to.”
Ventura has called for Justice Minister Rita Alarcão Júdice, along with the Director-General of Prison Services, to provide explanations to the legislature. He criticized the Government for being aware of these issues “for a long time” and accused the Justice Minister of ignoring the situation.
“The system is imploding, being destroyed from within due to a lack of authority and resources. The Minister knows this and allows it to continue. I think it’s a very dangerous path,” Ventura stressed.
He warned that “if nothing is done, what happened today and a year ago will be just small moments of what will continue to happen.” He emphasized the inadequacy of the prison system’s preparation and surveillance structures, stating that prison guards should not be blamed for escapes, while commending authorities for recapturing two inmates who escaped from Alcoentre Prison on Monday.
In another matter, after the party met with “various individuals connected to the daily school activities,” Ventura mentioned receiving reports of “privilege criteria” concerning foreign children and children of unemployed parents gaining priority in school placement, particularly in nurseries, preschools, and primary education.
Ventura claimed that while the law does not stipulate these priorities, they occur in practice, “more formally or less formally.” He referred to guidelines given to schools to “facilitate, prioritize, and expedite enrollments of migrant students,” pointing out that these instructions were provided in a document from the previous government under António Costa.
The Chega leader insists on evaluating these situations and announced that the party plans to request a series of hearings in the Education Committee with teachers and parents nationwide. “Chega will propose the revocation of all guidelines, whether formal or informal, that prioritize or expedite foreign enrollments,” he added.
Additionally, Ventura reiterated the party’s support for a commission of inquiry into the management of the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM), as proposed by the Liberal Initiative party, alleging that the institute is poorly managed with misappropriated funds.
He also renewed his call for an “audit of the Ministry of Health’s operations.”
