Chega proposes a possible commission on alleged interference of the Prime Minister in the banking sector

Chega announced today that he will propose the formation of a possible parliamentary committee on the prime minister's alleged interference in the banking sector and wants the first hearing to be former Banco de Portugal governor Carlos Costa.

"Chega has decided to exceptionally resort to a mechanism to which it is entitled under the regulations, which is the constitution of a possible parliamentary commission" to "investigate and prevent government interference in the banking and financial system", said said the leader of Chega in statements to journalists at the Assembly of the Republic.

André Ventura indicated that this possible order “will be proposed by Chega” and will have “four main objectives”.

“Analyze allegations of improper interference in the banking sector in recent years, review legislation in the area of ​​financial regulation and its autonomy, hearings with specialists, with current and former governors and deputy governors of the Banco de Portugal , namely Carlos Costa, to know in the parliamentary seat the complaints, the denunciations and what he said in his book on the interference of this or that Prime Minister and to propose new investigations, either to the Public Ministry or to the parliament,” he said.

André Ventura also indicated that Chega will propose that the first hearing be that of the former governor of the Banco de Portugal, Carlos Costa.

The Chega leader also criticized the position of the PSD, accusing the party led by Luís Montenegro of "political inertia" for having indicated that it will "give a second chance" to the Prime Minister, António Costa, to answer all the questions. that the Social Democrats questioned him about the case involving the Angolan businesswoman Isabel dos Santos and the process of resolution and sale of Banif, and the failure to go to a parliamentary inquiry .

“We gave the PSD all the conditions to take this path, to assume this role. They chose not to, to give the PS a second, third and fourth chance, even though it was clear that the socialist government did not want to answer anything and was going to use all the mechanisms at its disposal to evade to its responsibility, which is why we have decided not to wait any longer", he criticized.

According to the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the Republic, all parliamentary committees can be set up "for specific purposes", being responsible for "evaluating the matters subject to their setting up, presenting the respective reports within the time limits set" by the parliament.

"The initiative to set up occasional parliamentary committees, with the exception of those of inquiry, can be exercised by a minimum of 10 deputies or by a parliamentary group", it also establishes.

Chega had already proposed the formation of a parliamentary inquiry commission to assess "the possible political interference of the Prime Minister" on the former governor of the Banco de Portugal "to protect the daughter of the Angolan president", but the proposal has was rejected in mid-December with favorable votes from the proposing party and IL, abstention from the PSD and the PAN and votes against from the PS, PCP, BE and Livre.