Member of the European Parliament for the Left Bloc, Catarina Martins, offered her analysis on Monday night during a weekly commentary session shared with Cecília Meireles of the CDS on SIC Notícias, remarking on Luís Montenegro’s indignation over certain questions posed by journalists during the election campaign.
“I find it very concerning that the Prime Minister is disturbed in this way by questions from journalists. In truth, the journalists were simply fulfilling their duty. There are a number of issues he has never addressed. Indeed, we went to elections because the Prime Minister refused to answer questions about Spinumviva, and during the campaign new information emerged. It is normal for journalists to ask questions in the course of their work, even if these questions are sometimes inconvenient. That’s how it is. Political leaders and prime ministerial candidates need to respect democracy and the press. Difficult questions are expected during an electoral campaign. It would be problematic if this didn’t occur,” she stated.
Catarina Martins highlighted that this has been a recurring pattern with the AD. “We have observed the AD focusing significantly on avoiding discussions on substantial matters. They neither clarify the case that led to this situation of early elections nor do they propose solutions for the country’s problems,” she emphasized, referring to a particularly disturbing incident.
“I was shocked by the statements from the Health Minister claiming the increase in infant mortality is a result of her own policy, without specifying what actions will follow. I believe the Minister’s comments were clearly premature and irresponsible,” the Left Bloc member remarked.
Luís Montenegro experienced frustration yesterday during a campaign event in Espinho when questioned by journalists about his family’s business.
“Do you not have any other questions to ask every day? RTP is very dedicated,” he quipped, before being informed that the question came from a SIC journalist.
For the AD leader, the “essential” objective of this second week of the election campaign is for voters to “make a decision about their future” and provide “governability and stability” to the government. Other discussions are “attempts to distract the Portuguese from a calm assessment.”
