The former Portuguese Prime Minister, José Sócrates, has submitted a motion to Judge Susana Seca, questioning the release of information regarding the statute of limitations on certain criminal charges within the ‘Operation Marquês’ trial. Sócrates claims that the court made public details that were never discussed during hearings.
The details concern allegations of passive and active corruption connected to the Vale de Lobo property scheme, which are on course to become statute-barred by mid-2026. This information was reportedly communicated by the judiciary to the High Council of the Magistrature, a move Sócrates argues is improper.
“This news and information confirm the scandal I have long disclosed – this criminal trial is unlawfully supervised by a working group from an administrative body responsible for managing judges’ careers. It is absolutely indecent for the court to feel obligated to report on the progress of the case. This undermines the court’s independence,” Sócrates stated.
He has requested that the clarification provided to the High Council be forwarded to him, along with all previous communication between the court and the council, emphasizing public transparency in the trial process.
José Sócrates also criticized the presiding judge for labeling his lawyer’s resignation as a “delaying tactic,” noting the personal detriment caused by this action.
“I am uninvolved in my lawyer’s decision, who accompanied me throughout this painful and infamous process,” Sócrates said.
“I lose an unparalleled knowledge of the case with his departure, which is difficult to replace. Both he and the judge can best explain what might have happened in the courtroom that led to such a decision. But for me, there is no doubt: I am the one most affected by what occurred. For me, none of this is a joke,” he added.
The former leader recognized that his choice of a new lawyer would need time to understand the case, one of the largest in Portuguese legal history. He assured that he is determined to find legal representation promptly.
On November 11, the trial court disclosed that the corruption charges against Sócrates and three others concerning the Caixa Geral de Depósitos’ (CGD) financing of Vale do Lobo may expire by mid-2026.
The Prosecutor’s Office contends that Sócrates and former CGD administrator Armando Vara were bribed two million euros by Rui Horta e Costa and Diogo Gaspar Ferreira to favor the Algarve resort from 2006.
The accusation argues that José Sócrates appointed Vara to the CGD board in late 2005.
The credit provided to Vale de Lobo exceeded 200 million euros, subsequently considered a disastrous investment.
During the trial, Sócrates and the two former Vale de Lobo administrators denied the charges, while Armando Vara remained silent.
Sócrates, aged 68, faces 22 charges, including three of corruption, 13 of money laundering, and six of aggravated tax fraud.
The trial involves 21 defendants, who largely deny the 117 financial and economic offenses they are collectively charged with.
The trial has been underway since July 3 in Lisbon’s Central Criminal Court and is adjourned until at least December 4. Over a hundred witnesses are yet to be heard.
