Ana Gomes, a prominent member of the Socialist Party, criticized the inclusion of Hernâni Dias in the Social Democratic Party (PSD) candidate lists on Sunday. Dias, a former Secretary of State, resigned amid controversy involving a real estate company, which Gomes described as an “insult to the intelligence” of the Portuguese people.
“I believe that the candidate lists presented by the PSD are an affront to our intelligence,” stated the former Member of the European Parliament.
Focusing on Hernâni Dias, Gomes noted that his resignation from the government was not merely a matter of “imprudence,” contrary to the statement from the Prime Minister. “He had already been under investigation for a period, including by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office for the misappropriation of EU funds,” she remarked.
She further expressed disbelief at Dias heading the PSD list for Bragança. “This is treating the people of Bragança, who are not foolish, as if they are fools, and treating all of us similarly. It suggests a belief that votes can erase a lack of integrity and credibility. They cannot,” she commented.
The former presidential candidate also recalled a Democratic Alliance (AD) campaign poster that proclaimed, “corruption and lack of ethics are no longer acceptable.” She suggested the poster should be reintroduced, applying now to the AD and the positions endorsed by the Prime Minister.
Furthermore, Gomes voiced surprise at the inclusion of certain ministers in the lists, specifically referencing Health Minister Ana Paula Martins.
Hernâni Dias resigned as Secretary of State for Local Administration and Territorial Planning on January 28, after RTP reported that he had established two real estate companies while holding a governmental position. He was responsible for a decree modifying the Legal Regime of Territorial Management Instruments, which included controversial land laws. Despite these circumstances, Dias was selected to lead the PSD/CDS-PP coalition list in Bragança for the upcoming legislative elections.
