Three secretaries of state have been linked to judicial investigations concerning local government.
This development coincides with the inauguration of 43 secretaries of state, completing the governmental team.
The officials in question include Salvador Malheiro, Emídio Sousa, and João Manuel Esteves (from left to right in the accompanying photo).
Which officials are under investigation?
Salvador Malheiro
Before taking up his role as Secretary of State for Fisheries and the Sea, Salvador Malheiro served as the mayor of Ovar.
The inquiries focus on his actions during his mayoral tenure, with allegations that Malheiro received cash envelopes in exchange for awarding a contract in 2016 and 2017.
The social democrat denied these accusations following their emergence in February last year, prompting an investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Further details about the case remain undisclosed.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office (PPO) has initiated an inquiry into an alleged corruption case involving former Ovar mayor Salvador Malheiro, who confirmed filing a criminal complaint today at the local court against the whistleblower.
Lusa | 17:00 – 20/02/2024
Emídio Sousa
Emídio Sousa’s name is connected to a case dating back to 2022. As per reports, Sousa, who transitioned from the Secretariat of Environment to the Portuguese Communities, was involved in Santa Maria da Feira’s purchase of land for 200,000 euros, despite market evaluations placing its value at under 100,000 euros.
In September last year, the municipality faced searches related to this transaction’s investigation.
João Manuel Esteves
João Manuel Esteves, now heading the Secretariat of State for the Environment, was indicted under Operation Éter in 2020.
The former mayor of Arcos de Valdevez is also implicated in the investigation of the Interactive Tourism Stores (LIT) of Turismo Porto and Norte de Portugal (TPNP) as an “arguido,” as noted by reports.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office has named 74 defendants, including 59 mayors and former mayors from 47 municipalities in the North and Central regions, in the investigation concerning the Interactive Tourism Stores of Turismo do Porto e Norte, conducted under Operation Éter.
Lusa | 18:50 – 24/01/2020
