“More than the abuse of wiretapping, which would already be concerning in itself, I am worried about the confusion between the notions of autonomy and total independence and the lack of scrutiny in the Public Prosecutor’s Office,” declared Cotrim Figueiredo during the televised debate on TVI.
Catarina Martins agreed with the candidate supported by the Liberal Initiative, arguing that the Attorney General of the Republic “owes explanations to the country” following the release by Sábado magazine of a summary of transcripts of wiretaps involving former Prime Minister António Costa in the ‘Operation Influencer’ investigation. This investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office into the installation of a data center in Sines led to the fall of the government in November 2023.
“There must be mechanisms, and it is up to justice to prove that it has them, and I think a President of the Republic can at least clearly encourage justice to do so, to prove it is capable of having its own and autonomous scrutiny mechanisms,” she added.
For the candidate, “the successive very serious cases in Portuguese justice” result in “the discrediting of institutions and democracy as a whole,” an idea also endorsed by the former leader of the Liberal Initiative.
“We are giving wings to those who think democracy is in crisis, that there is a sick pillar, and that, therefore, all citizens have reasons to distrust justice. That would be the worst service we could provide. Therefore, faster and clearer communication on the part of the Public Prosecutor’s Office is imperative,” said Cotrim.
In the debate broadcast by TVI, the two European parliamentarians diverged on the role of NATO, specifically regarding the defense investment announced by the Portuguese government. The former bloquista leader considered it “absolutely unbalanced, disproportionate, and without strategy,” while the candidate supported by the Liberal Initiative defined it as “necessary.”
“Portugal needs to be integrated [into the European defense effort], and in that sense, it seems like a good idea,” he noted.
The candidates extended their discussion to the conflict in Ukraine, disagreeing on everything except the fact that Europe has neglected its responsibilities so far.
With several accusations of misrepresentation of statements mixed in, Cotrim Figueiredo stated, regarding the role of the state, that the only female candidate in the race for Belém has been “for years” positioning the Liberal Initiative “to favor the private sector.”
The two presented their diametrically opposed views on the role of the state, with the liberal candidate considering that it “is still involved in so many things it shouldn’t be.”
Catarina Martins opposed the idea of the state paying the private sector to provide education or health services, arguing that “public services capable, efficient and responsive to people’s needs” are necessary.
The presidential elections are scheduled for January 18, 2026.
