“At this stage we are in, the Government must exercise particular caution and restraint in its actions to avoid degrading scenarios like the ones we witnessed during the last legislative elections at the Bolhão market in Porto,” stated José Luís Carneiro upon arriving to sign the Metropolitan Area of Porto’s Autarchic Commitment in Trofa, in the Porto district.
The socialist was referring to the fact that, in April, the Government had marked one year in office at the Bolhão Market in Porto, where the Council of Ministers was held.
At that time, the Government was in a caretaking position, and the situation was criticized by the opposition, who labeled the event as an electoral campaign action.
José Luís Carneiro mentioned he had information that some Government members are engaging in activities “they should not” during this electoral period, though he did not specify particular cases.
“Therefore, I make this appeal to the Government members and the Prime Minister for restraint and prudence in Government actions that might conflict with the duties of neutrality and impartiality that should be observed by the National Elections Commission (CNE).”
When asked by journalists about the actions he was denouncing, José Luís Carneiro cited, as an example, an agreement set to be established in Braga between the Government and the municipal council at a time when the current council president is on the campaign trail.
“But I could give other examples, namely in Amadora just days ago with the Infrastructure Minister himself,” he emphasized, urging not to confuse governmental functions with campaigning.
