Montenegro Denies Influence Over State Contracts Amid Controversy with Spinumviva

Prime Minister's Stance on Spinumviva Contracts

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro firmly rejected any allegations of interference regarding the contracts between the State and companies associated with Spinumviva, emphasizing that such contracts have never depended on him. He clarified that he disclosed additional clients of Spinumviva in his interests declaration submitted to the Transparency Entity out of obligation, not personal choice. "For me, that information would not be public," he stated.

Context of the Controversy

This statement comes in light of recent reports, particularly from Expresso, indicating that Montenegro submitted a new declaration referencing more companies linked to Spinumviva just before a debate with Pedro Nuno Santos. The Correio da Manhã and CNN Portugal have reported that two of these companies have secured multi-million euro contracts during Montenegro's administration, raising eyebrows about potential conflicts.

Montenegro insisted that the services provided by Spinumviva were minimal, amounting to only a few thousand euros, and reiterated that the contracts these companies hold with the State do not involve him in any way. He pointed out that it was the Transparency Entity that requested this new information, and he complied despite his reservations about the necessity of such disclosures.

Timing and Political Reactions

Regarding the timing of the disclosure, Montenegro noted that it was dictated by the debate schedule and insisted he had no role in setting that timeline. In a response to his critics, Pedro Nuno Santos accused Montenegro of exacerbating political instability and suggested that Montenegro's tendency to call for elections when pressured reflects a lack of leadership. Santos emphasized the importance of candidates' seriousness and their differing visions for the country's future during the ongoing electoral campaign.