“The public revelations are neither good nor pretty. Many doubts linger,” stated Marques Mendes to journalists following a meeting with the president of the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu.
The former PSD leader expressed that “for the sake of the Banco de Portugal’s image and the governor’s credibility, an independent internal audit that clarifies everything would be best.”
It was reported today that on May 2, months before the end of his first term as governor of the Banco de Portugal (BdP), Mário Centeno, supported by his administration, signed a provisional contract with four Fidelidade Group companies for the construction of the new central bank headquarters on the former grounds of Feira Popular in Lisbon.
The same report indicated that legal and technical reports commissioned by the BdP warned of 16 serious contingencies that could jeopardize the deal, set to be finalized by the end of 2027.
“I think it’s appropriate for Governor Mário Centeno to go to parliament to provide explanations, as has been requested, but regarding a matter of this nature, an independent audit to examine all that occurred would not be amiss,” the presidential candidate considered.
The CDS-PP has announced plans to request an urgent parliamentary hearing of the Banco de Portugal governor to explain the operations conducted for acquiring the institution’s new headquarters.
In Marques Mendes’s opinion, given the public revelations, there will be “some praising, others criticizing, some offering one set of explanations, others offering contrary ones.”
Regarding the name of the future governor, the former PSD president refrained from commenting, at least for now.
“That is a decision of the Government, which I await. I have no idea what it will be, I think no one knows,” he added.
The Banco de Portugal stated today that it complies with all norms and regulations regarding the process of purchasing the new headquarters in Lisbon, assured in the contract made with Fidelidade.
“The Banco de Portugal provided, at the time of signing the promise of purchase and sale contract, and will continue to provide until the execution of the respective definitive contract, full compliance with the applicable legal and regulatory frameworks,” an official source from the Banco de Portugal told Lusa.
Mário Centeno’s first term as governor of the Banco de Portugal concluded on Sunday, and the former Finance Minister has indicated his willingness to serve another term at the central bank’s helm.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro stated that the government would announce its decision on this matter following the Thursday Council of Ministers meeting.
The governor of the Banco de Portugal is nominated by the government but must be approved by a parliamentary hearing.
