Infrastructure Minister João Galamba said this Thursday that he will soon meet with the executive president and new “chairman” of Altice, and later with the group’s founder, to discuss major investments in Portugal.
“At the moment we have a meeting with the CEO [presidente executiva da Altice Portugal] and “chairman” Altice, and then we’ll talk to the major shareholder. Let’s talk quickly,” the minister said, addressing reporters.
On the sidelines of a visit to the CP workshops in Contumil, Porto, Joao Galamba said the government was concerned about the investment, namely 5G and the “data center” and “not the litigation.”
“At a time of important investment and maintaining this dialogue with all companies, it is important to appreciate the extent of Altice’s commitment, especially in these areas,” he said.
Asked if “Operation Picoas”, launched on July 13 and led to several arrests, including of Altis group co-founder Armando Pereira, could affect the group’s investment in Portugal, the minister said he hoped that would not happen.
“Let’s hope not. This is a great company that, regardless of the specific twists and turns that may occur with respect to this or that manager, is a company that excels this or that manager and obviously has a commitment and investment in Portugal”, he noted.
As for the workers’ concerns, Galamba said the government shares them.
“We always share the concern that in the face of turbulence, workers’ rights, company continuity and strategic and decisive investments in the country can continue. This is our only concern,” he added.
According to the Central Department of Investigation and Criminal Affairs (DCIAP), Operation Picoas carried out about 90 searches of residential and non-residential premises, including the headquarters of Altice Portugal in Lisbon, as well as the premises of companies and offices in various parts of the country. State Ministry (MP). It was a joint action of the deputy and the Tax Administration (NA).
Following the “Operação Picoas”, Altice Portugal’s then “Chairman” and Altice Europe Co-CEO Alexander Fonseca suspended his duties in the executive and non-executive business activities of managing the group in various regions, such as Altice Portugal administrator João Zukete da Silva, who was in charge of the territory heritage.