Service provider Ana Jorge will remain in her current leadership role until a new team is appointed.

Fired Santa Casa de Lisboa provider Ana Jorge and the rest of the Bureau’s team will continue to carry out current management functions until a new team is selected, the Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security said.

According to Lusa, the office of Minister Maria do Rosario Ramalho, the dismissal of the Ombudsman of the Santa Casa da Misericordia de Lisbon (SCML) has immediate consequences, but Ana Jorge and the elements that make up the Council, three members and a deputy Ombudsman, they will have to remain in office until the government appoints a new team, which will happen “as soon as possible.”

The same source explained that the current “dismissed team is in the current management,” meaning that, according to the Public Financial Management Regime, they will be able to carry out “all activities that are part of the activities that services and authorities usually carry out.” in the performance of his duties without prejudice to the powers of administration, supervision and inspection of the competent minister.”

The government immediately dismissed the Ombudsman and members of the Board and justified the decision on grounds of “serious negligence” that affected the management of the institution.

Subsequently, in a letter sent to all employees, Ana Jorge accused the government of dismissing her in a “rude, arrogant and slanderous manner” and of being caught off guard.

Ana Jorge took office on May 2, 2023, chosen by the previous socialist government of António Costa, and inherited an institution in serious financial difficulties after years of the pandemic and the process of internationalization of social games carried out by the administration of the provider Edmundo. Martinho, which could have caused losses of around 50 million euros.