Montenegro Calls for Journalistic Integrity Amidst Controversy Over Bank Accounts

Montenegro Addresses Controversies

From Valpaços, during a campaign event as the president of the PSD at the Feira do Folar, Luís Montenegro responded to the various controversies surrounding him. He stated, "For about two months, we have been confronted with a series of news articles, many of which I consider to be filled with misinformation and manipulation of facts, often perfectly normal and mundane."

Montenegro was specifically questioned about two news stories, one from Expresso and another from Correio da Manhã. The first highlighted that one of the main clients of Spinumviva is also among the primary financiers of the PSD. The second revealed an alleged concealment of bank accounts.

Clarifications on Financing

Regarding the Expresso article, Montenegro emphasized that the law prohibits companies from financing political parties, asserting that donations from individuals to the PSD are always recorded transparently and legally. He acknowledged that some donors may have family ties to party leaders or business executives, but stressed that “the party president has nothing to do with that” and does not intervene in such matters.

Montenegro firmly stated that no client of Spinumviva finances the PSD. When confronted about six relatives of the owner of Barros Rodrigues gasoline company being involved, he clarified that it was a donation to a local party branch, dismissing any suggestion of impropriety. He described the connection to his company as “simply manipulation.”

On Allegations of Concealed Accounts

In response to the allegation of concealed bank accounts reported by Correio da Manhã, Montenegro firmly declared: “It is false.” He assured that he has declared his bank accounts to the Constitutional Court and acknowledged that while he was asked for additional clarifications following the news, “the clarifications were provided and the case is closed.”

During his statement to journalists, Montenegro directly addressed the media, expressing concern over “a centralization around myself and the PSD.” He urged journalists to conduct “a screening” and maintain “rigor” in their reporting.

“The media also has a responsibility to ensure a clean and transparent political debate, free from news distortion,” he asserted. He emphasized the importance of journalistic integrity, stating, “I have great respect for journalism; the rigor of journalism is as important as the rigor of politicians. The ethics of journalism are as crucial as the ethics of politicians.”