Lisbon Mayor Defends Equal Treatment in Controversial Apartment Merge of Prime Minister's Family

Carlos Moedas Addresses the Apartment Merge Controversy

Lisbon's mayor, Carlos Moedas, has assured that the local government has met its legal obligations regarding the merger of two apartments owned by the family of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro. Moedas emphasized that both the municipality and the prime minister have acted as they should in this matter. He stated, "The Prime Minister of Portugal is treated like any other Lisbon citizen. The council has done what it had to do, and the citizen, in this case the Prime Minister, also did what he had to do. Therefore, I have nothing more to add."

The issue revolves around the construction project to merge two apartments located on Travessa do Possolo, in the Estrela district. On March 7, members of the PS (Socialist Party) and BE (Left Bloc) in the Lisbon City Council requested information regarding the alleged exemption from prior control for this project, despite it being considered a structural alteration.

No Special Treatment Alleged

Last Thursday, Moedas denied any claims of preferential treatment for Montenegro's family, assuring that he treats "everyone equally." However, the next day, Correio da Manhã reported that the Lisbon City Council had allegedly prevented the Municipal Police from inspecting the renovation works on the Prime Minister's family duplex.

Moedas expressed confidence in the council's actions, stating, "I am very calm, very relaxed, because the council always acts in a way that treats everyone equally. Inspections are normal and will be conducted when necessary, not just for the Prime Minister's apartments but for others as well when justified."

Demands for Clarification

In the request for information about the duplex renovations, PS councilor Pedro Anastácio sought clarifications and copies of all relevant documentation concerning the communication, licensing, inspection, and alterations related to the ongoing works at Travessa do Possolo. He asserted that the municipality of Lisbon has a duty to clarify any suspicions that may tarnish public institutions.

Additionally, Beatriz Gomes Dias, a councilor from BE, raised several questions about whether the council received any subsequent communication that clarified the works involved structural changes and why the project was classified as exempt from prior control.

Broader Context of Political Scrutiny

The duplex renovations have added to ongoing concerns regarding the Prime Minister's conduct, particularly surrounding the Spinumviva company, which is currently under a preventive investigation by the Public Prosecutor's Office. This situation has led to the Parliament rejecting a confidence motion presented by the PSD/CDS-PP executive, resulting in the government's collapse and the scheduling of early legislative elections for May 18, as decided by the President of the Republic.