“I believe this only proves that the privatization should have happened much earlier because the issues we are discussing now stem from a privatization that had to occur because a state-managed company was incurring losses that taxpayers couldn’t sustain,” stated João Cotrim Figueiredo.
The presidential candidate, supported by IL, was speaking to journalists in front of the Belém railway station in Lisbon after traveling on the Cascais Line from Parede. He was responding to an investigation that led to searches on Monday, related to the 2015 privatization of 61% of TAP’s capital.
Cotrim Figueiredo argued for the need to privatize TAP, noting that third-quarter results released this morning show that, “despite a particularly good summer,” there was a “40% drop in results up to September compared to last year,” questioning whether the airline can achieve positive results in 2025.
“And if it does, I draw the attention of the Portuguese to this: we invested 3.2 million euros of our money there, excluding previous investments. If we achieve profits in TAP this year, it’s worse than investing in savings certificates at 0.5%. I ask, would anyone do it? So, if you wouldn’t do it with your own money, why should the State?” he asked.
Discussing the specific investigation, Cotrim Figueiredo emphasized that it relates to the 2015 privatization process and highlighted that over the past ten years, “the issue has been raised at least four times in public terms,” particularly within a parliamentary inquiry commission.
“And I ask, and would like to be clarified — and if they don’t answer me, because I am supposedly a political system agent and might be interfering with the judicial system, someone else should ask — what takes ten years to ascertain?” he questioned.
Cotrim Figueiredo asserted that it is crucial that “whatever the offense or offender in this matter may be, if there is one, it should be clarified swiftly and properly held accountable.”
The presidential candidate spoke after traveling by train between Parede and Belém, during which he aimed, as he said, to learn about transport alternatives in case the general strike called by trade unions takes place on December 11.
“And the conclusion I reached is that they won’t be easy, because, in addition to the strikes here on the Cascais Line, there will be strikes in public transport, and therefore many people, and many students, will have difficulty getting to school. It will be a huge inconvenience,” he said.
Asked whether it seems to him that minimum services should be extended, as the Government advocates, Cotrim Figueiredo agreed, especially in transport, since a strike in this sector causes disruptions.
“Many people depend on their daily presence, be it at work or school, to get on with their lives. And therefore, there is a disproportionate damage to these people, and yes, minimum services and the introduction of this change in labor law are justified,” he noted.
The presidential candidate also lamented that the works on the Cascais Line are ongoing and have “no end in sight,” emphasizing that his decision to disembark at Belém was a “symbolic gesture.”
“Because, indeed, my candidacy is heading toward Belém and only stops at the Palácio do Belém,” he joked.
