This Wednesday, Socialist Deputy Tiago Barbosa Ribeiro voiced criticism over what he termed a “session of shameless electoral propaganda” held at Mercado do Bolhão, referring to the Council of Ministers meeting at the iconic location in Porto.
“Therefore, a caretaker government organizes a session of shameless electoral propaganda at Bolhão,” Barbosa Ribeiro began in a post on the social network X.
He went on to extend his criticism to Pedro Duarte, the outgoing Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, who today announced his candidacy for the Presidency of Porto City Council to journalists.
“On the sidelines of this initiative, paid for by all of us, a minister takes advantage of the position, the moment, and the resources, launching his candidacy for the council where the campaign event takes place,” he remarked.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro today greeted market-goers with kisses and hugs upon arriving for the Council of Ministers meeting, asserting that he was not “precisely” in an election campaign.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro today greeted market-goers with kisses and hugs at Mercado do Bolhão, Porto, upon arriving for a Council of Ministers meeting, but stated that he was not “precisely” in an election campaign.
Lusa | 11:41 – 02/04/2025
Pedro Duarte, who earlier confirmed his candidacy for Porto City Council, also discussed this decision with reporters.
The outgoing minister further denied that the Council of Ministers meeting was part of a pre-campaign initiative, arguing that the government has convened across various locations in the country. He added that he is not concerned about any potential complaints to the National Election Commission. “I don’t know if there is any complaint about the government being close to the people. If there is such a complaint, I welcome it gladly, and you will understand that this is how democracy should work. Governments must be close to the people,” he stated.
Pedro Duarte today announced his candidacy for the Presidency of Porto Municipal Council, stating he would not contest the legislative elections.
Carmen Guilherme with Lusa | 11:22 – 02/04/2025
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