The Minister of Infrastructure and former mayor of Cascais affirmed today that his actions have always been guided by the “integrity and interest” of the municipality, although he is unaware if he is implicated in the investigation that prompted searches at the municipality offices.
“I am not aware of the specific details of the process that led to the recent searches, nor do I know if I am implicated in the investigation. However, I have complete confidence in the judicial system and am assured that, as far as I am concerned, my conduct has always been marked by integrity and the interest of Cascais,” stated Miguel Pinto Luz, who served as vice-president of the Cascais City Council, in a written clarification.
The Judiciary Police (PJ) conducted searches today in Lisbon and Cascais amid suspicions of favoritism in the process of selling a municipal land intended for the construction of a luxury hotel.
In statements to Lusa, the current Cascais Mayor, Carlos Carreiras (PSD), confirmed the PJ searches at the municipality, targeting two urban planning processes for which no suspects were mentioned. However, he admitted the involvement of former Vice-President Miguel Pinto Luz in these matters.
In his note, which Miguel Pinto Luz writes in his capacity as Minister and former Vice-President of the Municipality of Cascais, in the Lisbon district, the former mayor highlights what he considers “some essential points,” particularly the current political context, “less than two months before the legislative elections,” set for May 18.
This period, he emphasizes, “requires increased transparency and responsibility from all those involved in public life.”
Additionally, for the sake of “transparency and fairness,” the Minister of Infrastructure deems it vital that when the process leading to the searches in the Cascais City Hall “is archived,” that decision “receives the same publicity as the opening” of the case.
“This is especially important in a pre-election context, to ensure information is clear and fair,” he reinforces.
Miguel Pinto Luz further mentions that during almost two decades as a councilor of the Cascais City Council, he dedicated himself “tirelessly to the development of the municipality” and ensures he feels “great pride in the projects and decisions” he was part of, “always aiming to benefit the community.”
“I reaffirm my commitment to justice and truth, believing that these will prevail in due time,” he adds.
According to the PJ, today’s operation executed eight search warrants, one residential and seven non-residential, “in an inquiry investigating acts that could constitute the crimes of misconduct.”
The allegations involve crimes of misconduct, economic participation in business, and violation of urban planning rules by a public official.
The PJ also indicates “strong suspicions” of favoritism towards a real estate company in the sale process of a municipal land for the construction of a hotel with around 120 luxury apartments. In addition to the sale, the licensing process of the work is also being investigated by the National Unit to Combat Corruption.
In declarations to Lusa concerning the searches at the Cascais City Hall, the municipality’s president stated that they targeted two urban planning processes, one related to a hotel and another to a hospital, but assured that all “legal prerogatives” the municipality is subject to were fulfilled and “all explanations were provided to the PJ officers.”
When questioned whether his ex-Vice-President and current Minister of Infrastructure of the outgoing Government was implicated in the searches, Carlos Carreiras said that “no personalized suspicion” had been mentioned to him.
“No particular reference was made to me. It is normal that, having the ex-Vice-President, through delegation of competencies, dealt with these matters, it is natural that the process includes his decisions. It’s a regular, normal process that takes place in Cascais City Hall, just as it happens in any other city hall. However, no specific personalized suspicion was referred to me,” he stated.
