Illegal building licence probe into Ministers' Cascais homes

The Mayor of Cascais promises to be 'ruthless' if there is confirmation that illegal licences were given to ministers in respect of work done on their homes.

Carlos Carreiras was referring to suspicions of corruption that have been rumbling on, about work done at the homes of Economy Minister Pires de Lima and Finance Minister Maria Luís Albuquerque, both Cascais residents.

Suspicions were reported in December last year and prosecutors from the Judicial Police now have opened an investigation into whether crimes have been committed by anyone at Cascais Council.

The police unit already has begun its work by cross-referencing information, analysing complaints and interviewing witnesses about the relationship between Carlos Carrreiras, some of his advisors and the Council Inspectorate for Construction of Works and Infrastructure.

Carlos Carreias stated that 'Cascais Council does not comment on cases under judicial investigation or on news about court proceedings.’

He then pointed out that ‘this position of principle does not mean that the Council did not rule on the substantive issues. Our basic position is clear: in this house, there is no place for favours. I have every confidence in my team but I am and I will be ruthless with any transgressors."

Carreiras admited that "there was a time when many people spoke of an insignificant minority of council officials, you could count them on the fingers of one hand, who were taking personal advantage of their positions in the public service."

The mayor also emphasised that during his presidency, he has opened various internal investigations and disciplinary procedures.

"We have actively cooperated with the judicial and criminal authorities. And will continue to do so with the goal of providing a complete clarification of all situations," added the mayor.

Opposition councillor Clemente Alves considered the suspicious as 'very serious' and accused Carlos Carreiras of 'sweeping this under the rug.’

The Communist Party councilor stressed that the suspicions involved friends of the Mayor and it therefore was 'hard to believe that he had no knowledge of them.’

In December last year, the mayor announced he would open an internal investigation into the alleged illegal authorisation of works to homes of government officials.

Meanwhile, the police investigation continues.

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