Duarte Cordeiro Exonerated
Duarte Cordeiro, the former Minister of Environment, has been cleared in the Tutti-Frutti Operation, an investigation that concluded this Tuesday with the Public Ministry accusing 60 mayors and business leaders of various white-collar crimes. Among those cleared are two socialist ministers: Fernando Medina and Duarte Cordeiro.
In his reaction on social media, Cordeiro stated that it has been clarified what he has always claimed, and after years of dealing with speculation and suspicion, he is now 'finally free'. He expressed his disappointment over the lengthy investigation process, noting, "I was never even heard."
Despite being part of the PS Secretariat, Cordeiro chose not to run for deputy in the last legislative elections in March 2024 due to his implication in the Influencer Operation. On November 7, 2023, the Ministry of Environment, overseen by Cordeiro, was investigated for two days, and he was mentioned in documents related to meetings with detained individuals.
Cordeiro assured journalists that he was calm regarding his actions in the Ministry, emphasizing that it is common to hold meetings over meals. He remained confident in his innocence and did not resign from his position until the formation of Luís Montenegro's government.
Reactions and Implications
The Secretary-General of the PS, Pedro Nuno Santos, reacted to the case's closure, calling it "good news," but emphasized the need for reflection on the speed of justice. He lamented that individuals involved had to wait eight or nine years for the process to be archived.
When asked about the political future for Cordeiro and Medina within the PS, Santos stated that their political rights have not been restricted, affirming the country needs their contributions.
The Public Ministry has filed charges against 60 defendants in the Tutti-Frutti case for crimes including corruption, abuse of power, money laundering, and influence trafficking. Notably, two PSD deputies from the Assembly of the Republic are also among the accused: Luís Newton, who is also the president of the Estrela Parish Council, and Carlos Eduardo Reis.
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