The president of the PSD, Luís Montenegro, returned this Saturday to confirm his innocence regarding the renovation works on his house in Espinho, which is the target of an investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office for alleged tax benefits.
Speaking at a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Porto, the Social Democratic leader said he does not feel “minimally conditioned to perform his duties” and that this will be the last time he will comment on the matter.
Montenegro noted that he did not ask for a tax break “and would not accept one”, and said he also cannot give up the rules that citizens are bound by. “I received the same treatment as any other citizen,” he guaranteed.
A day after the Public Prosecutor’s Office announced the opening of three investigations into the case based on an anonymous complaint, Luís Montenegro said that “this is the opportunity” to relieve himself and his family of “a burden of misrepresentation and slander” that had been “falling on him” for a year.
Montenegro guarantees that “every cent has been paid” for his and his wife’s hard work, stating that “Each invoice complied with the tax and legal rules applicable at that time.
“I reject all insinuations about the costs and fees for the work. There is nothing unusual nor poorly explained”, he claimed. And because he had a file at hand that he believed contained all the information about the case, Montenegro said that “if there is a judicial investigation, all this information will be transferred to the courts.”
The Social Democratic president also welcomed the opening of the investigation, stating that “justice is the last stronghold of those who do not want to be enlightened” and that he has confidence in judicial institutions.
Luís Montenegro said he remains focused on the path that will lead the PSD to an “important victory” in the March parliamentary elections and assured: “I will not hesitate for a second.”
When later asked if he would draw political conclusions after the outcome of the case, Montenegro assured that he was “invested in innocence.” “I can live with the criticism I receive,” he said.
This concerns Luís Montenegro’s home business in Espinho, where there were reportedly tax breaks for the renovation of the building. On Friday, the Public Prosecution Service announced the opening of three investigations into the case, based on an anonymous complaint.
Source: DN
