The mayor expressed regret that the Socialist Party prematurely decided not to support his candidacy in the upcoming municipal elections, stating that he has neither been heard nor charged in any legal proceedings.
In a statement released to the press, the Socialist Party unequivocally condemned any form of domestic violence and expressed deep concern about the information that emerged regarding the mayor of Vizela and head of the Braga District Federation of the party.
“The Secretary-General of the Socialist Party, Pedro Nuno Santos, requested Victor Hugo Salgado to resign from his position as president of the Federation of the Socialist Party of Braga. He also informed that the party will not support Salgado’s re-election bid for the presidency of the Vizela Municipal Council,” the statement announced.
Victor Hugo Salgado stated that prior to the party’s announcement, he had already communicated to the Secretary-General his intention to step down from the presidency of the Braga District Federation, as well as from all positions he holds within the party, “to not hinder the legislative election process.”
Regarding the reports of alleged assaults by Victor Hugo Salgado on his wife, he noted that he was unaware of any legal proceedings, countering what he described as judgment by public opinion.
This follows a report revealing that Salgado, who is seeking re-election under the Socialist Party for the Vizela municipal leadership in Braga district, is under investigation for suspected domestic violence. It was also reported that both the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the National Republican Guard confirm an inquiry is underway against the mayor.
“I have not been named a defendant and am fully available to provide statements to any judicial body,” reaffirmed the current Socialist mayor of Vizela.
The statement did not clarify whether Salgado would maintain his candidacy for the municipal presidency following the loss of support from the Socialist Party.
Efforts to contact Victor Hugo Salgado for comment on this issue have been unsuccessful.
The mayor claimed the reports citing his involvement in a domestic violence case stem from “a series of anonymous emails circulated in an attempt to use private life for political ends.”
“Such reports severely impact the healthy growth of my children and cause irreparable damage to their development,” he concluded.
