A recent statement by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro denying any personal gain in the procurement of concrete for his luxury home in Espinho has been challenged by a news report, according to the Socialist Party (PS). The report in question, featured on the front page of today’s Correio da Manhã, alleges a connection between the concrete supply, the construction company’s hiring by Espinho City Council, and legal opinions provided by Montenegro’s law firm for the same council.
In response, Marcos Perestrello, spokesperson for the PS’s legislative election campaign, urged Montenegro to end what he termed a “soap opera” by providing concrete evidence. “Since the end of 2023, there has been ongoing controversy regarding the professional and public activities of the prime minister. It’s imperative to put an end to these allegations, and only he can do so. He alone possesses the necessary information and evidence to dispel the suspicions surrounding his professional relationships with politics and suppliers of the Espinho Municipal Council,” Perestrello stated at a press conference held at the PS headquarters.
The Socialist representative called on Montenegro to move beyond “empty statements” and to present “evidence of the payments made and services rendered.”
The prime minister’s office described the emerging reports as a “blatant and inconceivable campaign of misinformation and manipulation of facts.”
Notícias ao Minuto | 18:43 – 01/04/2025
“Only then can we shift to a serious discussion on the pressing issues facing the country. I would like the focus of politicians and the media to be on the real problems affecting the nation. This can only be achieved once evidence is presented showing how events actually unfolded,” argued Perestrello, who is also the leading PS candidate for Santarém.
“Any forthcoming evidence would certainly be welcomed, as it would reassure everyone and allow us to address the issues genuinely affecting the lives of the Portuguese and consider how they can be improved,” he added.
Regarding what evidence should be provided, Perestrello left that decision to the prime minister, suggesting examples like invoices for supplies and payment receipts.
Departure of Sérgio Sousa Pinto? “I don’t know the reasons given”
When asked about Socialist MP Sérgio Sousa Pinto’s decision to withdraw from the PS candidate list, Marcos Perestrello stated he only knew that the deputy informed the secretary-general of his desire not to continue.
“I don’t know the reasons he gave,” Perestrello concluded.
“CNE notified the Prime Minister. Government’s official website information does not meet criteria”
On the subject of the National Election Commission (CNE) dismissing two complaints submitted by the PS regarding alleged government institutional advertising during the legislative election period, Perestrello revealed that Montenegro was notified to “remove information from the Ministry of Environment on the government’s official website that was deemed to not meet impartiality criteria.”
This information, of which the PS had “informal knowledge,” led Marcos Perestrello to criticize the CNE’s composition, accusing the entity of never making decisions contrary to the interests defended by the PSD.
“The CNE consists of representatives from parties and the State. Breaking from past tradition, the State appointed not just service technicians but also the chief of staff of the Secretary of State for Parliamentary Affairs, a young advisor from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a former president of the Lisbon PSD constituency. These three state representatives have consistently voted in alignment with PSD and CDS representatives,” Perestrello added.
