Minister welcomes CHEGA’s inquiry into his years leading PJ – Portugal Resident

Interior Minister Luís Neves has welcomed CHEGA’s decision to force a parliamentary inquiry into his years leading the Polícia Judiciária, saying it will provide an opportunity for his record at the criminal investigation force to be examined.

“Good,” Neves replied when questioned about the announcement today. “As I have said before, I am fully available to provide every clarification in every forum.”

“It is a good time for people to learn about and understand my legacy at the head of the Polícia Judiciária,” he told journalists in Pedrógão Grande, where he attended the municipality’s official commemorative ceremony.

CHEGA leader André Ventura announced earlier today that his party would use its parliamentary powers to establish a commission of inquiry when the next legislative session begins in September.

The investigation will focus on Neves’ terms as national director of the PJ and, in particular, the circumstances surrounding a trailer seized in a major police drugs bust.

The trailer was subsequently discovered at the premises of a construction company in Barcelos whose owner, a friend of Neves, has carried out work at the minister’s property in Odemira, and previously, for the PJ police force when Neves was its national director.

Expresso reported today that the PJ has found no official order authorising the trailer’s removal to the company’s building yard. The Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened a separate investigation.

Neves again said he would give the Portuguese public the explanations it deserves “at the appropriate time”, without indicating when he intends to answer detailed questions.

Asked whether he has offered his resignation to Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, Neves dismissed the possibility.

“If I felt that I did not have the conditions to remain in this position, I would not be here carrying out my work,” he answered.

The minister repeated that he is concentrating on the threat of forest fires and his responsibilities for internal security and civil protection.

“That is an issue which, quite simply, does not arise,” he said of a possible resignation.

Neves maintained that he is entirely relaxed about his record being scrutinised. “I take the greatest pride and honour in what I have done as a public servant and in what I will continue to do,” he told reporters. “That is what motivates me and gives me the strength and pleasure to work for the country, for its communities and for the Portuguese people.”

source: Executive Digest/ Lusa