A measure has been proposed to prevent a recurrence of the incident involving socialist deputy Eva Cruzeiro, whose signature was altered, appearing as “Evita Perón” in the attendance book.
In the opening of today’s meeting, André Rijo confirmed that the case has been reported to the Transparency and Statute of Deputies Committee and that the President of the Assembly of the Republic, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, has been formally informed.
“We hope this does not happen again and that all deputies adhere to the Assembly’s rules, which demand respect and civility among members,” he added.
Unlike today, Eva Cruzeiro was absent from the Constitutional Affairs Committee meeting on Wednesday, where she serves as an alternate member representing the socialist faction.
Eva Cruzeiro has filed a complaint against Chega deputy Filipe Melo, with proceedings ongoing in the Transparency Committee. Conversely, Filipe Melo has submitted a complaint against the socialist deputy.
In early November, Eva Cruzeiro requested an inquiry into Filipe Melo by José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, alleging he shouted racially and xenophobically charged words at her during a migration debate on October 29, attended by Presidential Minister António Leitão Amaro.
“He shouted at me, ‘go back to your country,'” wrote the PS deputy.
Shortly thereafter, the President of the Assembly of the Republic validated the complaint and formally requested the Transparency Committee to open an inquiry into Chega deputy Filipe Melo.
In the same ruling on this case, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco emphasized that judicial authorities must evaluate if the conduct constitutes a criminal offense as defined by the Penal Code, ultimately deciding on potential criminal proceedings.
Following this case, Chega supported a complaint by their deputy Filipe Melo against Eva Cruzeiro, which is also under review by the Transparency Committee.
According to Filipe Melo, during the same debate attended by Minister António Leitão Amaro, Eva Cruzeiro labeled the Chega Parliamentary Group members as “racists,” “xenophobes,” and belonging to a party that “should not even exist” under the Constitution.
