Chega accused Prime Minister Luís Montenegro on Thursday of completely losing control of the situation involving Internal Administration Minister Luís Neves. The political party insisted that Luís Neves must step down from his post in the government.
In a statement, Chega said that a justice minister ordering an investigation or audit into the work of a colleague who remains in office only happens in a dysfunctional and unbalanced government. Justice Minister Rita Alarcão Júdice ordered an internal audit into the Judiciary Police following news about how the agency operated when Luís Neves served as national director.
Chega questioned the objective of the government audit and asked if officials intend to condition or cancel a future parliamentary committee of inquiry. The party stated that a government investigation cannot replace an independent parliamentary investigation in such a serious case.
Parliamentary Inquiry and Contract Suspicions
Chega submitted a formal request for Parliament to establish a committee of inquiry into the terms Luís Neves served as national director of the Judiciary Police between 2018 and 2026. In a press note signed by its national leadership and shadow government, Chega said newly reported details created an absolute ethical incompatibility for the minister to remain in office.
The party highlighted suspicions of favored contracting awarded by Luís Neves to the construction company ConstruBarcelos or an associated firm. Chega added that Prime Minister Luís Montenegro cannot remain indifferent to the unfolding situation.
According to news reported by TVI, CNN Portugal, and Nascer do Sol, ConstruBarcelos, owned by a contractor who is a friend of Luís Neves, also completed construction work at the house of Álvaro Pires, the financial director of the Judiciary Police. Chega also pointed to the reported involvement of Álvaro Pires in authorizing the transport of a trailer containing chemical products for drug production, calling the act illegal and damaging to the reputation of the police force.
Chega warned that the web of connections threatens the credibility and integrity of the administration, adding that the government becomes complicit if it fails to act.
Responses and Court Proceedings
In response to the audit, Luís Neves said he remains calm and welcomed the investigation ordered by Justice Minister Rita Alarcão Júdice, stating that she ordered it well.
Luís Neves also stated that he was the person who requested the intervention of the Court of Auditors regarding the matter.
Luís Neves will face judgment before the Court of Auditors.
