The president of the republic defended on Wednesday, without commenting on the Cohesion Minister’s case, that in general, in the face of doubts about the benefit of politicians to relatives, it is necessary to investigate the circumstances.
“First, it is necessary to determine who made decisions, how they made decisions, and whether there is anyone with responsibilities who has benefited someone in their environment through kinship or some other kind of connection”said Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in statements to reporters in Sausalito, California.
“Second, if they are previous situations, which came from the past, or not. Third, if they violate equality in relation to other situations”he added.
When asked about the Observer’s news of public funds being allocated to a company 40% owned by the husband of the Cohesion Minister, Ana Abrunhosa, the head of state replied: “I don’t like to comment on certain cases and I’m not going to comment on any particular case, let alone here abroad.”
Shortly afterwards, however, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa stated that in general he: “theory views on this issue” and stated circumstances which, in his opinion, should be investigated in these cases.
“Only by applying this theory, this philosophy to concrete cases, can a conclusion be reached”he added.
Source: DN
