Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro reiterated that he will provide all necessary clarifications during a parliamentary debate on a motion of censure scheduled for Friday, according to Euractiv.
Montenegro made the remarks on Wednesday at the Portuguese Embassy in Brasília, where he is attending the 14th Luso-Brazilian Summit. Responding to journalists’ questions, he emphasised his commitment to transparency and accountability.
I’ve already had the opportunity to say, there is a motion of censure that has been tabled, which deals with this matter, I will provide all the clarifications in parliament. I am very calm, I will do what is my duty, with all the tranquillity of someone who has always honoured his personal, professional and political life by criteria of honesty, tolerance and respect for everyone.
Allegations of conflict of interest
The controversy stems from reports by Correio da Manhã newspaper, which alleged that Montenegro’s family company, Spinumviva, could benefit from a recent change to Portugal’s land law. The prime minister’s wife and children are the primary partners in the company, raising concerns about a potential conflict of interest.
Montenegro has denied any wrongdoing, stating that he has not been a partner in the company since June 30, 2022, and that Spinumviva has never engaged in real estate business linked to the legislative amendment.
However, the leader of the Chega Party, André Ventura, has been particularly vocal in demanding explanations from Montenegro. Ventura threatened to table a motion of censure against the government if the prime minister did not address the issue publicly. The motion has since been submitted and will be debated and voted on Friday.
While the opposition Socialist Party (PS) has distanced itself from the motion of censure, its secretary-general, Pedro Nuno Santos, has urged Montenegro to provide explanations “as soon as possible,” drawing parallels to a recent scandal that led to the resignation of Secretary of State Hernâni Dias.
Montenegro’s defence
Montenegro has maintained that he has always acted with honesty and transparency throughout his personal, professional, and political life. He stressed that his primary focus remains on improving the quality of life for the Portuguese people and addressing their concerns.
I have been working every day for the sake of the quality of life of the Portuguese, for the sake of the future of the Portuguese.
He acknowledged the legitimacy of journalists’ questions but stressed that his priority is governance and serving the public interest.
The motion of censure, tabled by Chega, will provide Montenegro with an opportunity to address the allegations directly in parliament. The prime minister has expressed confidence that his explanations will satisfy both lawmakers and the public.
