The PSD council members have submitted a request for an audit of at least 14 service acquisition contracts, primarily consultancy deals, entered into by Porto Digital. This request follows concerns about the nature and execution of these agreements.
The contracts, finalized between November last year and this month, total over 700,000 euros, with individual amounts ranging between 210,000 euros and 4,800 euros. The PSD is also seeking access to all administrative documents relevant to these tenders, alongside comprehensive information regarding the scope and objectives of each contract, and reports on any activities underway or completed.
This audit request was prompted by statements from PSD municipal deputy Rodrigo Passos, who expressed doubts about three contracts managed by the Associação Porto Digital, questioning whether they might have been used for “propaganda” purposes by the vice-president of the city council, Filipe Araújo.
In response to these allegations, Filipe Araújo has filed a criminal complaint against the social-democratic deputy.
During a private executive meeting, the mayor, Rui Moreira, acknowledged being informed of the request but refrained from making any comments at this time.
PSD councilor Mariana Ferreira Macedo emphasized the responsibility of the council to fully clarify existing doubts concerning some contracts. She also requested comparative information on contracts signed by Porto Digital in 2023, 2024, and 2025, noting what appears to be a dramatic increase in expenditures in communication areas, for which the reasons remain unclear.
“Since the reason is not clear, we naturally seek more information, as it is our duty to scrutinize,” she added.
Additionally, the PSD demands details on Porto Digital’s personnel chart, specifying existing internal resources within the communication department.
The document also addresses concerns about promotional actions involving the vice-president of CM Porto, conducted during work hours and using council resources. The PSD is requesting clarification on whether any of the service providers are simultaneously engaged with any municipal company overseen by the vice-president, including details of any such contracts, their values, and durations.
