Prime Minister Luís Montenegro strongly defended the Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves, during the debate on a motion of censure presented by Chega in Parliament. Montenegro praised Neves' work, stating that he has done extraordinary work, coordinates exemplarily and demonstrates aptitude and competence. The head of the executive also referred to the control of air borders and the systemic deficiencies found at the airports of Lisbon, Faro, and Porto, stating that Portugal needs Luís Neves as minister.
Chega's leader, André Ventura, questioned Luís Montenegro about Luís Neves' remaining in office, referring to the various controversies known in recent weeks that date back to when Neves led the Judicial Police. Ventura addressed the minister directly, asking how he still has "the lack of shame to be seated on the Government bench" after everything that was revealed.
Luís Montenegro also used the debate to respond to José Luís Carneiro, Secretary-General of the PS. The Prime Minister accused the Socialist leader of exaggerating in his political interventions and of losing himself in populism, saying that Carneiro has already accumulated a set of strategic convergences with Chega. Montenegro noted that the PS abstained from the vote on the motion of censure to avoid a political crisis in Portugal, considering that the motion is desired by no one and is penalizing for the national interest.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that there are things to improve, but defended that the recovery of incomes, salaries and the growth of the Portuguese economy are currently an example invoked throughout Europe. Montenegro reiterated that all members of the Government deserve his political trust and again stated that Luís Neves is an excellent minister.
