Hugo Soares shared this stance with Lusa and SIC upon entering the presentation of the PSD/CDS-PP coalition candidate for the Odivelas City Council, Marco Pina.
Last week, Chega had already announced its support of IL’s initiative, as the PCP did today, amounting to 72 votes in favor. With PSD abstaining, even if other parties, including PS, vote against, the approval of the inquiry is assured.
The PSD parliamentary leader noted concerns that the “Parliamentary Inquiry Committee tool is being trivialized.”
“This legislature is about a month old, and I think we are already heading to the third Parliamentary Inquiry Committee project. And this is not good for the institutions,” he remarked.
However, Hugo Soares emphasized that “it will not be the PSD’s fault if the inquiry committee does not move forward.”
“From the PSD’s perspective, if it is the intention of parliament that this Parliamentary Inquiry Committee can investigate what has been the divestment in INEM over several successive years, the neglect of INEM over several successive years, and if it can even make a comparison with the investment made in INEM in the last year, then I believe this Parliamentary Inquiry Committee may have a reason to exist,” he stated.
“Therefore, we will facilitate the proposed Inquiry Committee by IL with our abstention,” he added.
Hugo Soares was also questioned about the escape of two prisoners from Alcoentre prison, who were subsequently recaptured, but he deferred explanations to future reports that will be produced.
“I like to focus on the positive aspects of these situations. I really want to commend our forces and security services, the criminal police agencies such as the Judicial Police, who managed to recapture the escaped prisoners overnight once again,” he highlighted.
Hugo Soares expressed his desire to convey to the Portuguese people “a great sense of confidence” in the security forces and services.
“The escape occurred yesterday, and within a few hours, the prisoners were back where they should be, and I want to, therefore, commend the forces and security services,” he reiterated.
[Updated at 7:25 PM]
