The Attorney General of the Republic (PGR), Amadeu Guerra, stated that he is not a “friend” of the Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, although he expressed “admiration” for him. Guerra assured that “if there is a basis,” an inquiry will be opened in the Supreme Court of Justice, emphasizing his independence from the head of government.
Amadeu Guerra shared this perspective in an interview, following questions about his nomination as Attorney General by the Prime Minister and their collaboration in various public entities.
The PGR highlighted that a testament to his independence is the Public Prosecutor’s Office having opened a preliminary investigation into the company Spinumviva, owned by Montenegro’s family.
“The proof of this is that I opened a preliminary investigation. And if there is a basis to open an inquiry, we will open an inquiry, as is evident (…). I have never been pressured by anyone to not accuse or not progress with processes or not report. For me, the rules are the same for all citizens,” he declared.
In the same interview, he also mentioned not being friends with the president of the Social Democratic Party (PSD).
“I have admiration for Dr. Montenegro, that’s true (…) but I didn’t see him for many years,” he said. “Friends are those we have lunch with. That doesn’t mean it can’t happen, obviously. But friends are those with whom we might eventually go on vacation, share personal and family concerns, guide them, help them,” he pointed out.
The Attorney General also mentioned that he has already spoken to Montenegro since the preliminary investigation was opened, as they frequently meet at public ceremonies.
As previously stated, Amadeu Guerra indicated that no deadline has been set for concluding the preliminary investigation, though he would “like the decision to occur before the judicial holidays,” on July 15, but is unsure if “it is possible.”
“What I asked for was speed and celerity. I cannot set deadlines. If I set a deadline now, and then it wasn’t met… I want it to be quick,” he emphasized.
It was in March that the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP) began a preliminary investigation concerning the Prime Minister and the company Spinumviva. The case resulted in the fall of Montenegro’s previous government.
At that time, Amadeu Guerra explained that three complaints related to the company were received, and the objective of the preliminary investigation was to assess if there are elements to proceed with an inquiry. This investigation is based on information obtained from open sources and documents requested from those involved.
A preliminary investigation into the purchase of two houses by the former Secretary-General of the Socialist Party (PS) Pedro Nuno Santos was also opened but ended up being filed.
Regarding the filing of the investigation into Pedro Nuno Santos, Amadeu Guerra stated that the MP did so because it “found absolutely no reasons to open an inquiry.”
The Attorney General indicated that the preliminary investigation into the Prime Minister and his family company has “much more documentation” than that of Pedro Nuno Santos, and those documents are being analyzed by the Judiciary Police.
Last week, it should be noted, the PGR announced changes in the communication of the MP’s preliminary investigations. Without providing many details, he cited the need to protect citizens against journalistic speculation and the exploitation of anonymous denunciations.
The Attorney General of the Republic (PGR) announced on Wednesday changes in the communication of the Public Prosecutor’s preliminary investigations, but did not specify what they will be, citing the need to protect citizens against journalistic speculation and the exploitation of anonymous denunciations.
Lusa | 21:11 – 18/06/2025
