At a press conference following the Council of Ministers, the Minister of the Presidency was asked why the appointment of Santos Pereira was not decided before the end of Mário Centeno’s term on the 19th.
“There was no delay. The Bank of Portugal will be fully operational; the government has nominated the name to parliament, which will deliberate. It might take a week, a month, a month and a half, or even longer,” he stated.
According to the Organic Law of the Bank of Portugal, the Governor and other members of the Board are appointed by a resolution of the Council of Ministers, upon the proposal of the Minister for Finance and after the reasoned opinion of the competent committee of the Assembly of the Republic. They serve a five-year term, renewable once for the same period.
Parliament concludes its regular session on Friday before the holidays, and committee meetings are only scheduled from early September, which could result in the current governor still attending the next European Central Bank meeting on the 10th and 11th of that month.
“Until then, Professor Mário Centeno will fulfill his regular representative duties at the Bank of Portugal, carrying out his role, ensuring the institution’s smooth functioning,” said the minister.
When asked whether the government informed the opposition parties about this decision, as was customary in the past, Leitão Amaro did not respond.
