PSD MP Pinto Moreira to resign at end of legislative session

Joaquim Pinto Moreira will step down as MP for the PSD at the end of the legislative session as “personal and political conditions” will not be met to continue in these functions and protect the integrity of the party.

“I am doing this solely on an individual basis, because the personal and political conditions are not suited to the exercise of the functions that I have been vested in the current legislature, and because I recognize that this is the position that best protects my personal integrity, as well as my party , its leader and the relevant parliamentary bench,” the MP said in a statement sent to the Lusa news agency.

In a statement, the MP, who was accused last week of aggravated passive corruption, influence peddling and violating city rules by an employee in the Vórtex process linked to Espinho city council’s city projects, said he had already conveyed that “personal decision” to party and parliamentary leaders. groups.

The deputy emphasizes that by this decision he will take on “political responsibility for the trial” in which he participates for the second time.

“Unlike other deputies, mayors and other political leaders who, under equal or worse legal circumstances, remain outspoken in office, I adhere to the ethical framework that I have always defended in office and am aware of my civic responsibilities. I do not practice demanding speech to others and kind to myself,” he emphasizes.

The MP says he rejects “any character judgment” that inside or outside the SDP they are trying to make on the case, questioning how he resumed parliamentary functions on May 29, two months after he was suspended. when appointing him as a defendant – and infringing on his “honesty and personal dignity.”

“My decisions were made with complete freedom, consistency and a sense of responsibility, weighing the responsibilities as well as the rights that help me as a citizen. I am a staunch defender of the principle of the presumption of innocence, but for all citizens and under any circumstances. Not only when it’s convenient or popular to tear clothes against so-called “tobacco judgments,” he adds, using an expression made famous by former SDP president Rui Rio.

Pinto Moreira also says that this resignation will allow him to “focus his efforts on defending against the unfair and completely unfounded accusation” leveled against him.

“I remain absolutely convinced that I have always acted in accordance with the law, and I will demonstrate this at the right time and in the right place, starting with a possible request for the opening of a technological instruction,” he says.

The MP also criticizes the “despicable way in which information is conveyed by the media, sponsoring an obscene and offensive media judgment” of his dignity, which, in his opinion, undermines “citizens’ trust in democratic institutions.”