The former Prime Minister José Sócrates continued his criticism of the Public Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday, alleging political motivations, particularly concerning the ‘Parque Escolar’ program, involving “more serious” accusations.
“There was a political motivation and an attempt to undermine a government policy. This motivation was based on the political Right’s opposition to this policy,” he argued, stating it was the “most serious” position in today’s session.
When questioned by journalists on-site, Sócrates indicated he was awaiting evidence. “I hope I don’t offend anyone with what I’m about to say: I hope the Public Prosecutor finally presents some evidence. It’s been three days, honestly. After all, this is a void from the Public Prosecutor. Where is the evidence that I favored anyone? The matter with the GES Group is over. They didn’t present a single one. Regarding the Lena company, we’ll see,” he remarked.
“The prosecutor made a statement intended to challenge the merit of a political decision. And I told him: ‘Excuse me, that is done in Parliament. Only MPs are in a position to evaluate the merit of a political decision,'” he continued after the conclusion of the fourth trial session, arguing that prosecutors’ role is to ensure democratic legality: “Not to say whether the policy is good or bad. Keep that for your conscience as voters.”
