The General Inspectorate of National Defense (IGDN) is currently 29 inspection actions, of which 17 “concern public works contracts, public procurement, financial flows and internal control systems, implementation of the Military Infrastructure Law and the Military Programming Lawthe office of Defense Minister Helena Carreiras said.
Questioned by DN Regarding the results of the corruption prevention measures repeatedly announced by the government official since the ‘Perfect Storm’ operation became known, the official spokesperson added that “two more actions will begin in 2023.”
Helena Carreiraswho has faced increased criticism from the opposition since Expresso reported that he was the Secretary General of the Ministrymade a defendant in the “Perfect Storm”, believes that in the “These inspections will be completed by the end of this year and the first half of 2024″.
The same official source emphasizes that its “consequences will be determined by the guardianship once each one is completed.”
on a status report created at the request of the DN As for internal supervision, the spokesperson guarantees that with Helena Carreiras “the inspection action of the IGDN was strengthened in the services and bodies of the Ministry and in entities in the business sector of the State”.
Of the ongoing actions, the following stand out: audits of “contracts for the acquisition of technical advisory services signed by the Directorate General of National Defense Resources (DGRDN) between 2018 and 2021″ (activated by a contract with the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marco Capitão Ferreira)”; to the “Assessment of the inventory process of real estate assets affected by national defense”; to “public works contracts (EMGFA, Navy, Army, Air Force, DGRDN)”; to the “area of public procurement”; the “process of awarding government subsidies”; as well as an “inspection of the storage and security of weapons, military equipment, ammunition and explosive materials”.
Helena Carreiras’ office recalls that the minister – who last week became involved in a new controversy reported by Expresso, over alleged DGRDN payments for her academic work, which she denied – had also asked the Court of Auditors to ‘conduct an investigation’ . audit of IdD Portugal Defense”.
At DN’s request, an official source from this organization confirmed this “the audit is already underway and is reserved until the relevant report is approved”.
“No summary proceedings”
Still on measures he identifies prevention of corruptionthe same official source, recalls that “an ongoing restructuring of DGRDN – whose current model was approved by the PS and PSD – to give it greater effectiveness and efficiency”and that” were open disciplinary procedures for employees and directors of the ministry who have been identified as defendants, after notification by the Public Prosecution Service (MP) and under legal conditions”.
When asked how these initiatives fit in with the fulfillment of the Secretary General’s duties, this official source confirms this “The Member of Parliament did not order the suspension of the exercise of public functions by the Secretary General of the Ministry, as was not the case with other ministry officials who were defendants in the relevant legal proceedings. The MP leading the investigation has ordered the suspension of two accused ministry employees.”
In this process he emphasizes: “They are The various suspects have been charged with various criminal offences, the lesser or greater severity of which is directly related to the determination by the Member of Parliament of the suspension of the exercise of functions, in accordance with the applicable criminal law. The suspension of employees in public positions respects the requirements and rules.”
Helena Carreiras, who guarantees her office, intends with these actions to “establish the facts and correct everything that needs to be corrected, remove any climate of mistrust and defend the highest public interest and National Defense”.
The Minister, it is stated, “will take all necessary measures to ensure that the responsibilities that exist to investigate and correct any anomalies that require correction are resolved, with the aim of ensuring that these past situations not repeat in the future. The rule of law is based on formulas, procedures and institutions. The need to respect the time and work of Justice is reiterated, without summary judgment.”
Source: DN
