Hugo Soares addressed the closing session of the Government Program debate at the Assembleia da República, referencing the “contradictions” of André Ventura, which energized the social-democrat bench and, conversely, provoked loud protests from Chega party deputies.
Previously, André Ventura had associated the Council of Europe with an institution that offers political “jobs” and allegedly serves no purpose against corruption. Hugo Soares quickly countered these remarks, suggesting they were made “either out of ignorance” or as a deliberate “lie.”
“Either you intended to lie or it’s due to ignorance. The Greco recommendations within the Council of Europe assess member states to ensure compliance with anti-corruption standards,” he stated, following his characterization of Ventura’s earlier speech as “a show of populism.”
The president of the PSD Parliamentary Group further critiqued André Ventura’s political actions, posing the question: “If the Council of Europe is so ineffective and worthless, and if Chega is so against political ‘jobs,’ why does Chega have deputies in that parliamentary delegation?”
Hugo Soares then challenged Chega to refrain from appointing deputies to the parliament’s external delegations for coherence’s sake.
The intervention from the PSD’s parliamentary group president also prompted a defense of honor request from José Luís Carneiro, the candidate for PS secretary-general.
Hugo Soares held him accountable for the termination of the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF), while José Luís Carneiro noted that this measure was implemented in 2021, and he only took over the Ministry of Internal Administration in 2022.
“I’ll take it that you weren’t the one who terminated the SEF. But if you’re not claiming the termination of the SEF, I’ll be happy to extend it to the entire PS,” commented the PSD bench leader.
In his speech, the social-democratic parliamentary leader addressed the question of with whom the PSD/CDS-led executive, under Luís Montenegro, would govern.
“In a word, the Government will govern with the Portuguese people, and they will not forgive those who waste their efforts,” he asserted, warning other political forces amidst a scenario of political instability.
Hugo Soares emphasized that the Government will have “total openness” for those willing to cooperate politically, but warned it will be “determined” against those aiming to obstruct.
He also drew a line between the PSD and other political forces, starting by saying that while Chega uses crime as an “alarm weapon,” the social-democrats “commend the actions of security forces and services.”
“Where others continue in denial of the colossal mistake of creating the manifestation of interest — yes, I’m talking about the PS — we correct, regularize, and humanize immigration. Where some stand by denial, we stand by solutions,” he maintained.
Regarding the Liberal Initiative, he stated: “Where for some everything should be private initiative, everything is liberalism, we see the need for a strong state that protects the most vulnerable.”
“Some are on the side of ideology, we’re on the side of reality,” he added.
