“The issue of whether or not the Mayor of Lisbon resigns is a matter for party politics, which I do not engage with. My concern is the safety of the Portuguese people, how this tragedy happened, and what will be done to prevent similar tragedies from recurring,” António José Seguro stated to journalists after a meeting with the President of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, José Ornelas.
The presidential candidate believes that “the Portuguese have the right to the truth and to the establishment of responsibilities.”
“And, above all, they are entitled to answers to such simple questions. How did the braking system fail? How are inspections carried out in areas not visible and subject to daily investigation? We need these answers, and we need these answers now,” he demanded.
When questioned about whether it wouldn’t make sense to discuss political responsibilities, Seguro agreed but deferred this discussion to the parties, as he does not consider it his role as a presidential candidate.
“I reiterate that my concern is the safety of the Portuguese people. If the President of the Republic believes he should enter this debate, that is his understanding. My understanding is different,” he replied when questioned about Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s statements on Sunday.
The President of the Republic declared that Lisbon’s mayor, Carlos Moedas, bears “political responsibility” for the accident involving the Glória elevator, but does not believe it makes sense to discuss resignation a month before the elections.
For Seguro, confidence is needed every time one enters public transport or crosses a bridge, and “the safety of the Portuguese is one of the State’s principal obligations.”
“Regarding this tragedy, there are questions with no answers. It has been understood that the cause originated in an area not visible during the daily inspection. So, how often was this non-visible area inspected? When was the last time it was done? Who was responsible for this?” he asked.
Another question the former PS leader wants answered concerns the braking system, which “was activated, but did not work.”
“It is said in the preliminary report that it would never function, and only now has this been discovered? Did a tragedy have to occur to realize this? There must be accountability; who were the entities, who were the responsible parties? Sixteen people died,” he urged.
In Seguro’s opinion, “these questions need answers, and one cannot wait a year or six months” for them to appear, as they must be provided “in a timely manner.”
“The Portuguese have the right to the truth, and only the truth generates confidence. This is my focus as a presidential candidate; the rest I leave to the parties,” he emphasized.
The Glória elevator in Lisbon derailed on Wednesday, resulting in 16 deaths and injuring dozens of people, both Portuguese and foreigners of various nationalities.
The government has declared a national day of mourning for this Thursday.
The Glória elevator, managed by Carris, connects the Restauradores to São Pedro de Alcântara Garden in Bairro Alto, covering a distance of about 265 meters and is highly popular among tourists.
