SDP leader Luis Montenegro said on Tuesday that the government had gone “too far” in exercising power in the Prime Minister’s Endes order, given that the executive branch is “nervous” dealing with uncomfortable situations.
“Having a prime minister who individualizes a particular company and forces the government, through the responsible secretary of state, to confirm payments to suppliers, goes too far in the exercise of state power and confuses the absolute majority with the power that PS intends to exercise in Portugal,” said the social democratic leader. speaking to reporters before attending the Expofacic in Cantañeda.
In an order signed on Monday and sent to newsrooms on Tuesday, Prime Minister António Costa determined that public services could not pay Endesa’s bills without first being reviewed by the Minister of Environment and Energy after the company’s president allowed a 40 percent increase in electricity.
For Luis Montenegro, “it is very unusual to see a prime minister willing to intervene in matters that are not his direct responsibility,” stressing that clarification is needed regarding the evolution of electricity prices.
According to the SDP president, his party is finalizing a statement to the government and the Energy Services Regulatory Authority (ERSE) on the matter.
“Members of the government are a little nervous and impulsive in the most uncomfortable or unfavorable situations. I don’t even discuss whether the person from the company in question was right or not. tell this particular supplier you only pay after you see the invoice,” he stressed.
Luis Montenegro emphasized that clarifications on the brake mechanism are welcome, given that it is important for individuals, families and companies to have “security regarding price evolution”.
“Now, when you don’t want to clarify, they find tricks, arrange alternative schemes,” he said, considering that the case turns out to be “distraction and sabotage”, not to mention “what is important”, namely what the government will do with inflated inflationary tax revenue.
“Unfortunately, we are faced with a government that is a bit like the saying: “What starts badly, late or never becomes right.” This government is starting so badly that we in Portugal have less and less reason to believe that it will improve.” , he asserted.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
