The parliamentary committee led by Marta Silva (Chega) has approved the hearing of relatives who requested to be listened to via email. The request was supported by votes from the PS and Chega, with PSD, IL, and Livre abstaining. Silva emphasized no pressure was put by the committee to arrange these hearings.
Chega’s Pedro Frazão expressed openness to the willingness of family members to testify before the committee, stating, “We are completely sensitive and receptive to their desire to provide testimony.”
Sofia Andrade from the PS conveyed that their parliamentary group would not present any objections, echoing previous positions.
Joana Cordeiro of IL argued the hearings could turn the committee into a spectacle, diverging from its intended purpose upon approval. She remarked on the potential unfairness if only a selection of families were heard, given the six-year scope of the CPI.
Miguel Guimarães of PSD noted the contributions might not clarify issues concerning the INEM strike last year, suggesting potential psychological and humanistic disruptions from the hearings.
Silva explained the CPI’s legal framework allows for hearings upon request, with the committee deciding on such requests.
The National Union of Nurses (SNE) also requested to make a statement, which was approved except for an IL abstention.
The meeting approved a 10-day extension for document submissions from the Ministry of Health, considering the large information scope requested by parliamentary groups.
Additionally, a suspension of committee activities was approved during the State Budget discussion and voting for 2026, scheduled from October 29 to November 27.
Launched in July at the proposal of Iniciativa Liberal, the committee comprises 24 deputies and is tasked with investigating the political, technical, and financial responsibilities related to INEM. The probe includes examining INEM’s operations during a strike last October and November, along with political oversight since 2019.
