New PSD leader Rui Rio has ridden headlong into controversy by naming his deputy as the former head of the Lawyers Association, purportedly under investigation by DIAP, the department of investigation and penal action.
Says Observador an audit of the association’s accounts highlighted various “alleged irregularities” as well as “certain inconsistencies” under Elina Fraga’s tenure – adding that the former president herself says she is unaware of the investigation.
But the inquiry is just part of the controversy. Fraga’s criticism of former PSD leader Pedro Passos Coelho has meant that she has not been ‘welcomed with open arms’ by many of the party faithful.
Former justice minister Paula Teixeira da Cruz went so far as calling Rui Rio “a traitor” for his choice of right-hand partner, telling reporters: “Everyone who criticised or attacked Pedro Passos Coelho and his government in its most difficult moments is now being rewarded. This form of reward has a name: it’s called treason”.
An unnamed party source added that Fraga’s appointment is potentially unwise, as “if the investigation does uphold the findings of the audit, she won’t have conditions to remain”.
For now, say reports, the investigation is without ‘arguidos’ (official suspects), or indeed formal suspicions.
natasha.donn@algarveresident.com
