President of the Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa answered questions from journalists in Belém this Wednesday. The president began by talking about the upcoming elections in Spain, saying that he usually does not comment on elections in other countries, but will follow what is happening in the neighboring country. Marcelo says he is convinced that Spain’s electoral law will not interfere with Spain’s presidency of the European Union (EU), highlighting the importance of Spaniards in dossiers such as the EU-MERCOSUR deal. “I hope it will be a good presidency,” the president concluded.
When asked if he would look at the situation in Spain with great interest, given the similarities with the situation in Portugal, Marcelo answered in the negative, pointing out the importance of observing the economic, political and social situation in Portugal.
According to Marcelo, the Portuguese “want to see in institutions the portrait of a strong democracy.” The president also stated that “democracy is stronger if institutions are strong.”
Regarding the intervention of the Information and Security System (SIS) in the recovery of the computer of former Assistant Minister of Infrastructure João Galamba, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa recalls that he had his first official contact on April 29, adding that he concentrated contacts in one official institution and that in there was no mention of SIS in this contact. “Putting one and one together, you can see who was the one who contacted the President of the Republic on the 29th,” he added.
The President of the Republic maintains the position he took on 4 May when he officially informed the country of the Galamba case. “I see no reason to change my mind after the direct translation into Portuguese on the 4th,” he concludes.
In terms of the economy, Marcelo says lower inflation and economic growth are positive signs for Portugal.