André Ventura and Paulo Raimundo took positions at the start of a debate aired on CNN Portugal during the pre-campaign period for the snap elections scheduled for May 18.
When questioned about a preliminary investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office into the property purchases of the PS Secretary-General, Pedro Nuno Santos, Ventura, leader of the Chega party, acknowledged he was not fully informed of the case but remarked on the oddity of politicians buying properties as if money flowed effortlessly.
“What we cannot have is politicians arriving in Lisbon with nothing and suddenly leaving with everything. I’m not saying this is the case for Pedro Nuno Santos or Luís Montenegro, but I’m saying explanations are needed,” he stated, drawing parallels between the situations of the PS secretary-general and the prime minister.
According to Ventura, this is yet another incident that will negatively impact the election campaign. He asserted that Pedro Nuno Santos must provide explanations equal to those he demanded from Luís Montenegro, whom Ventura accused of merely pretending to give clarifications.
Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the PCP argued that it is crucial to thoroughly and swiftly investigate the matter, to quickly dispel any atmosphere of suspicion.
“I do not deny the importance of this case, as with other cases, but I also do not want political debate to focus solely on these issues,” Paulo Raimundo added.
In a press conference in Lisbon, following the news of being under preliminary investigation by the Public Prosecutor, the PS Secretary-General declared he was not afraid of scrutiny. He provided details regarding the property purchases in question and promised to release all related documentation on Thursday.
Raimundo and Ventura acknowledge “a world of difference” between them
The Secretary-General of the PCP and the leader of Chega conceded there is “a world of difference” between them during a debate marked by differing views on business support and the role of the state.
In the CNN Portugal debate, Ventura frequently interrupted, accusing the PCP of being “an anti-democratic party,” the “largest real estate owner in the country,” supportive of Russia, which Raimundo dismissed as expected talking points, lamenting he could not speak freely.
“Do not talk to me about democracy,” retorted the Secretary-General of the PCP, who, in turn, linked Chega to the interests of major economic groups—”some of which support your party,” he directed at Ventura—and criticized Ventura’s proposal to cut the corporate tax rate to 15%.
“How will you explain to teachers, doctors, security forces, firefighters, that you plan to cut two billion euros annually from potential revenue for investment?” Raimundo questioned.
In this face-off moderated by journalist João Póvoa Marinheiro during the pre-campaign for the May 18 legislative elections, both the representative of the CDU coalition (PCP/PEV) and the president of Chega identified themselves as originating from Lisbon’s outskirts, yet acknowledged having nothing in common.
The discussions around corporate tax led Ventura to declare, “This is a world of difference between us.” Paulo Raimundo echoed, “Indeed, there is a very big world of difference between us.”
Reflecting on the period known as the “Geringonça,” Ventura recalled the PCP’s support for the PS government led by António Costa and blamed the communists for the shortage of family doctors, high tax burdens, and students without teachers.
“I know that André Ventura is still upset over the 2015 situation and will never forgive the PCP for ousting the government of Passos and Portas, the government that André Ventura enthusiastically supported at the time with the ‘troika’,” responded Paulo Raimundo, referring to Ventura’s past alignment with the PSD.
[Updated at 23:36]
