José Sócrates accused the Public Prosecutor's Office on Thursday of acting with a clear political bias, refusing to investigate the current prime minister, Luís Montenegro's, relationship with the Spinumviva company. The statements were made upon entering the court, where the former government leader returned to be heard as part of the Marquês case. Sócrates argued that judicial instances apply unequal criteria depending on the party affiliation of those involved, attributing disproportionate scrutiny against Socialist Party figures to the Attorney General's Office.
The former prime minister contrasted the insistence on the charges he faces with the lack of formal investigations into the private activities of members of the current executive. He claimed he never received proceeds from corporate entities, stating he never received money from any company or dividends, and criticized the passivity of the magistrates for not investigating the maintenance of shareholdings or business positions by Luís Montenegro while serving as prime minister.
Sócrates pointed out that the treatment afforded to public life protagonists follows a double standard, considering the discrepancy in the procedures adopted by the criminal investigation body unacceptable. The former leader also cited the judicial process that culminated in the resignation of António Costa from his duties as prime minister, questioning the opening of judicial inquiries with vague contours against socialist leaders without comprehensive explanations being provided to public opinion.
The former head of government again provided clarifications in court to contest the factual material contained in the Marquês case indictment, maintaining his rejection of all illicit practices attributed to him. He described the framework outlined as a scandalous scenario and deeply detrimental to the normal democratic functioning of the country.
