Montenegro Expresses Shock at Reactions to Lisbon Police Actions

Luís Montenegro, the Prime Minister of Portugal, expressed that he is "astonished" and "very perplexed" by the reactions to the police action in Martim Moniz, Lisbon. He described the operation as a "state effort to ensure public tranquility and prevent criminal conduct" and emphasized the importance of fully integrating immigrants.

Montenegro stated, "I am perplexed when I hear certain arguments", labeling them as "unusual" and "unjustified". His comments were made during the inauguration ceremony of the Secretary-General of the Portuguese Republic's Information System (SIRP) and the Secretary-General of Internal Security.

He criticized the notion that preventive police actions in areas with a history of crime could be seen as extremist governance. Although he did not name the Socialist Party leader, Pedro Nuno Santos, Montenegro referred to Santos's criticism questioning the legality of the police operation that involved immigrants.

Montenegro emphasized that, from his government's perspective, security is not a matter of left or right, but rather a public good that should be preserved. He noted that anyone who holds a different view is likely on one of two extremes: either overly security-focused or dismissive of the need for security forces.

Furthermore, Montenegro pointed out that the operations conducted in collaboration with public entities should not be labeled as instrumentalization of security forces. He assured that no police action is directed at any specific community, highlighting that several individuals checked during the Martim Moniz operation were of Portuguese nationality.

In response to the incident, the Inspectorate-General of Internal Administration (IGAI) has opened an administrative process regarding the police actions in Martim Moniz, seeking information from the PSP about the operation.