How Three Companies Raked in €174 Million from the State: The Spinumviva Connection Uncovered

Overview

Three clients of Spinumviva have been working with the Portuguese government since 2008, amassing €174.5 million in contracts since April 2024. Notably, two of these companies have ties to the Socialist Party (PS), with contracts awarded during Luís Montenegro's government making up approximately 21% of their total earnings.

Key Clients and Earnings

Among the three significant clients of Spinumviva are ITAU (Instituto Técnico de Alimentação Humana) and Sogenave (Sociedade Geral de Abastecimento à Navegação e Indústria Hoteleira), both affiliated with the Trivalor Group known for its connections to the PS. Since 2008, these companies have collectively earned around €815.7 million from government contracts.

• ITAU alone has handled over 1,200 contracts, generating around €496 million in total revenue, while Sogenave has been involved in 1,930 contracts since 2010, amounting to over €128 million.

Recent Developments

Under Montenegro's administration, the government awarded contracts totaling about €174.5 million in the last year, indicating a significant increase in public contracts. The types of public entities contracting these services span various sectors, including health, education, and social services.

Contractual Details

The contracts with these companies are primarily for services related to food supply and management consultation, with the monthly service fees reported to be less than €1,500. Contracts typically range from six to eighteen months.

Political Connections

The Trivalor Group has been scrutinized for its political connections, particularly concerning former officials who have held positions in both the government and the company. The ties between the group and the PS have raised questions about potential favoritism in contract awards.

Conclusion

As the political landscape in Portugal prepares for upcoming elections, the financial ties and contractual relationships between Spinumviva's clients and the government are under increasing scrutiny, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in public procurement.