Portuguese Socialist Deputy Isabel Moreira has voiced criticism against the Social Democratic Party (PSD) for selecting former Secretary of State for Local Administration and Spatial Planning, Hernâni Dias, to lead their list for the legislative elections scheduled for May 18.
Hernâni Dias resigned on January 28, marking the first departure from the Democratic Alliance (AD) government. His resignation followed revelations that he had established two real estate companies while serving in government, linked to a decree he was responsible for that amended the Legal Framework of Territorial Management Instruments.
“Luís Montenegro’s mindset is superb. You can’t be in the government, but since everything about me is known, let’s normalize it and you will become a deputy,” expressed the Socialist Party (PS) deputy on social network X.
“Comparing the cases, Hernâni Dias should not have resigned. It makes sense, the blatant confession,” she added.
A cabeça de @LMontenegro_PT é supimpa. Não podes ser do governo, mas como se soube o que se soube de mim, vamos normalizar e vais para deputado. Comparando os casos, HD não devia ter – se demitido. Faz sentido, a confissão descarada.
https://t.co/ACGwuSRnXf— Isabel Moreira (@IsabelLMMoreira)
March 27, 2025
The current political crisis began in February after a report by Correio da Manhã highlighted concerns about Luís Montenegro’s family company, Spinumviva, which was initially owned by his children and wife, but later transferred solely to his children. This raised questions about the compliance with the rules on conflicts of interest and the prohibition of public office holders engaging in certain activities.
Following over two weeks of continued media scrutiny, including an Expresso report revealing that the company Solverde was paying a monthly fee of 4,500 euros to Spinumviva, and two rejected motions of no confidence from Chega and the Communist Party (PCP), as well as the Socialist Party’s announcement of an inquiry commission, the Prime Minister announced a confidence motion for the government on March 5.
The motion was rejected by votes from PS, Chega, BE, PCP, Livre, and the sole PAN member Inês Sousa Real. Supporting votes came from PSD, CDS-PP, and Liberal Initiative.
The rejection led President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa to dissolve the Assembly of the Republic and call for legislative elections on May 18.
