Controversy now in hands of judicial authorities
President Marcelo has escaped the censure of the parliamentary commission of inquiry set up to delve into the ‘who/ what/ how’ of the controversy into free Portuguese state health system treatment of twin babies, living in Brazil, with ‘the most expensive medication in the world’.
This vipers’ nest of allegations and insinuation was brought to public notice by a television report in November, 2023, which pointed the finger very much at the president, as being the principal ‘puller of strings’ in ensuring the babies’ free treatment.
But yesterday, the commission requested by right-wing party CHEGA – which has already shown exactly what it thinks of the situation – skated round all the potholes, agreeing that yes, there was a “special intervention by the Civil House of the Presidency of the Republic” but that no illegality could be found.
In the words of people’s tabloid Correio da Manhã, the commission “cleared Marcelo and pointed the finger at Lacerda” (the former secretary of state for health, who has already said he refuses to be used as a scapegoat).
Both major parties pushed for changes to the ‘original’ proposed report by CHEGA’s rapporteur, who yesterday renounced her position (as it had been fully undermined), leaving the final rapporteur to be PSD MP António Rodrigues.
This commission of inquiry was always a minefield (as it gnawed at the highest political office in the country). Critics frequently said it was being manipulated, to appear to have the force of law (which parliamentary inquiries do not have).
Now, the matter remains with the Attorney General’s office, and it may be that we don’t hear anything about it for some time… if ever.
But what has to be remembered (or perhaps is being purposely ignored) is that a criminal investigating judge has already considered that President Marcelo ‘did not behave neutrally in this process’, and should be investigated.
Judge Gabriela Assunção’s understanding and considerations were not however supported by Counsellor Celso Manata of the Supreme Court of Justice who stressed that it is up to the Public Prosecutor’s Office “to initiate criminal proceedings and promote the relevant steps” (or not).
