“It has to be the Prime Minister who shows his face”

At a press conference after a meeting of the PCP’s central committee in Lisbon, Paulo Raimundo, asked whether he validates the calls for the dismissal of the Minister of Internal Administration, Maria Lúcia Amaral, stated that the “problem is not minister A, B or C”. He asked the Prime Minister to assume responsibilities, as he did in the past when he “showed his face” for the Minister of Health.”He did well to show his face, he will also have to assume responsibilities in the name of the Government, of the consequences. I register positively”he emphasized.

Paulo Raimundo considered, however, that if the executive’s assessment were made based on the work of recent weeks, it would not be just Maria Lúcia Amaral who would leave the Government. “If we were to look at this 15-day process, and If we were to evaluate the statements and unfortunate performances of each of the ministers, we would have to conclude that a substantial part was in a position to go with the floods”, shot.

The PCP leader criticized the Government for the slow response “when the situation required clear and quick options, the mobilization of all necessary means and the taking of urgent measures” such as the replacement of electricity, water and telecommunications.

Raimundo stated that he “doesn’t have a particular taste” in taking this up for debate, but that the matter will “hardly be left out” of the discussion with the prime minister, confirming what most political leaders told DN, that Maria Lúcia Amaral will be under fire.

Fifteen people have died in Portugal since January 28 following the passage of depressions Kristin, Leonardo and Marta, which also caused many hundreds of injuries and displacement.

Therefore, the PCP announced measures for an “emergency plan” in Parliament that guarantee the “100% payment of wages” of workers and “income of small and medium-sized farmers and entrepreneurs”. It asks for “necessary resources for the reconstruction of houses, schools, public and social facilities, roads and railways” and accuses previous responsibilities for “privatization of strategic sectors, such as energy and telecommunications” or the “dismantling of State structures and the degradation of public services”.

A summary of the Presidential elections was also made, in which he celebrated the “significant defeat of André Ventura” and in which he recalled António José Seguro’s commitments to “defend the Constitution” and reject the labor package.