Luís Montenegro made a statement to the press without taking questions after the Council of Ministers meeting, alongside Lisbon’s Mayor, Carlos Moedas, who joined the session late at the Prime Minister’s invitation.
The two were dressed in black ties and spoke side by side in the Fireplace Room at the official residence of the Prime Minister in Lisbon.
“It is with deep sadness and dismay that I address everyone in this difficult hour. Yesterday, Portugal was shaken by a terrible accident with the derailment of the Glória elevator in the heart of Lisbon. This is one of the biggest human tragedies in our recent history,” stated Montenegro, addressing the Portuguese people.
On behalf of the Portuguese Government, he offered words to the victims and families, both national and foreign, and wished a quick and full recovery to the injured.
“In this moment of grief, no words will be enough to soothe your loss or fill the void left by those who have departed. But I want you to know, on behalf of the Portuguese State, that you are not alone and that the entire country shares your pain,” he said.
Montenegro assured that the Government has been monitoring the situation from the outset, maintaining constant contact with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Carlos Moedas, highlighting the coordination between various departments from the Ministry of Internal Administration, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing, and the Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security.
The Prime Minister justified inviting Carlos Moedas to the Council of Ministers to “assess the situation” and also to convey “the solidarity and support of the entire Government.”
“I cannot help but express my deep gratitude and recognition to all entities involved in the rescue of the victims,” he said, detailing the various authorities that provided assistance, including firefighters, civil protection, security forces, and hospitals.
The Government declared a national day of mourning, which is being observed today. Meanwhile, the Lisbon City Council declared three days of municipal mourning, from today through Saturday.
[Updated at 14:11]
