Montenegro's Political Party (PSD) finding itself leaderless after Spinumviva's departure, uncertain about future agreement conditions?
Luís Montenegro's Spinumviva drama continues to swirl around, putting the Prime Minister at the center of yet another controversy that's casting a long shadow over his leadership. The company, now owned by his children, still raises eyebrows as it seems to have unfinished business with Montenegro.
The controversy revolves around the delayed declaration of interests to the Entity for Transparency (EPT). Although it has already been confirmed that the declaration was made, Montenegro's last-minute delivery has led to speculation regarding his actions. According to Expresso, the request for clarification from EPT was received by Montenegro's office on March 30. Strangely, as per the legislation, the declaration delivered by deputies remains unpublished for 30 days. It wasn't until the end of the month that Montenegro believed it would be published.
Spinumviva's new clients and earnings
Montenegro has revealed seven new clients of Spinumviva, including Rodáreas, Sogenave, Portugalenses Transportes, Beetsteel, INETUM Portugal, and Grupel SA. Five out of seven companies have made money via contracts with the State.
The recent update to the transparency portal has sparked even more conversation, given that the Secretary-General of the Socialist Party (PS) questioned Montenegro's suitability for his position. The social-democrat Hugo Carneiro took the charge next, asking the Parliament’s Group of Work to inquire about the computer records of those who accessed the Prime Minister's register of interests between April 29 and 30.
Did the PS leak the data?
Montenegro alleged that there are indications that the PS has a significant role in the disclosure of Spinumviva's clients. He denied diffusing or promoting the disclosure of the document. In response, Pedro Delgado Alves, a socialist deputy, claimed to have access to Montenegro's declaration of interests but denied disclosing any information to the media. Mariana Mortágua, the coordinator of the Bloco de Esquerda, accused Montenegro of violating his legal and formal obligations and the PS of being lost.
The situation has led several parties to line up against the Government. Pedro Nuno Santos, the Secretary-General of the Social Democratic Party, demanded to combat Montenegro's influence in Portugal and for the country to be free from the main political instability factor, which is Montenegro himself.
Looking towards the future, Pedro Nuno Santos believes there will be more shocking revelations about Luís Montenegro as the election day draws near. The president of Chega, André Ventura, considers Montenegro unfit for office again due to his actions involving Spinumviva.
The Iniciativa Liberal (IL) defends freedom of the press and condemns any attempt to persecute journalists. The leader of Livre, Rui Tavares, believes Montenegro is not fit to continue as Prime Minister. Several parties have accused AD of attacking journalists and disregarding freedom of the press to hide the truth about Montenegro's non-compliance with legal obligations.
During this tumultuous period, discussions about Montenegro's honesty, integrity, and leadership capabilities are abundant and could significantly impact the outcome of the upcoming elections on May 18.
- Luís Montenegro's office received a request for clarification from the Entity for Transparency (EPT) regarding the delayed disclosure of interests on March 30.
- Seven new clients of Spinumviva, including Rodáreas, Sogenave, and Grupel SA, have been revealed by Montenegro, with five of these companies having made money via contracts with the State.
- Hugo Carneiro, a social-democrat, has asked the Parliament’s Group of Work to inquire about the computer records of those who accessed Prime Minister Montenegro's register of interests between April 29 and 30.
- Montenegro has alleged that the Socialist Party (PS) may have a significant role in the disclosure of Spinumviva's clients, while Pedro Delgado Alves, a socialist deputy, denies disclosing any information to the media.
- Pedro Nuno Santos, from the Social Democratic Party, believes there will be more shocking revelations about Luís Montenegro as the election day approaches, calling for Montenegro's influence in Portugal to be combat and for the country to be free from political instability factor, which is Montenegro himself.
