The outlook is highly positive, especially given past experiences, such as with Professor Mário Centeno, which were favorable,” stated João Pedro Oliveira e Costa during the presentation of the bank’s first-half results, regarding the appointment of the new governor of Banco de Portugal (BdP).
Oliveira e Costa expressed no desire to assess anyone, yet noted that Álvaro Santos Pereira is practical and approachable. Drawing from past interactions when Pereira was Minister of Economy, Oliveira e Costa sees these traits as beneficial and necessary for society.
“Society requires individuals who are not distant and are approachable, which seems to be the case here. As said by others, his resume speaks for itself, but my main comment is: let’s discuss this in a year, as I want to see practical results,” he remarked.
On Centeno’s departure, Oliveira e Costa declined to comment on the replacement process but praised Centeno’s tenure for his significant contribution.
“I greatly appreciated his demeanor and conduct, which were evidently cohesive for the system,” he noted, highlighting Centeno’s remarkable sensibility and independence.
“He is a highly respected individual internationally, which was evident during his governorship,” he added.
The banker emphasized that Portugal should not overlook someone of Centeno’s caliber and hopes that a suitable role is found where he can contribute broadly to society.
BPI’s president regretted that some governors in the past were reappointed due to political reasons, despite not performing as positively.
“It is unfortunate that in the past, some individuals were reappointed for political reasons when they did not deserve it, and their performance was less favorable. This is not about whether Professor Mário Centeno should have continued, but rather about others who were reappointed when they should not have been,” he stated.
On July 24, confirming Centeno’s non-reappointment and announcing Álvaro Santos Pereira’s selection, Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro regarded it as a “better choice” than retaining the former Finance Minister and praised Santos Pereira’s “political independence,” distinguishing his decade-old governmental experience from Centeno’s direct transition from Finance Minister to governor.
Centeno’s mandate ended on July 19, yet the successor was announced by Luís Montenegro’s administration only after that date.
The transition date remains unknown but is expected in September, following Santos Pereira’s hearing in the Assembly of the Republic.
Both PSD and CDS lauded the appointment of the new governor. Chega labeled it an independent choice. IL expressed reservations. PS attributed Centeno’s non-reappointment to political motives. BE criticized the appointment as close to the government. Livre, PCP, and PAN opposed the selection of a ‘troika’ era official.
