Government Officials and Parliament Vice President Face Lifting of Immunity
Following the developments related to the ongoing Ab Initio investigation, which involves allegations of financial misconduct, illegal advantages, and improper political party financing, a request to lift the immunity of three regional secretaries has been issued:
Pedro Ramos (Health and Civil Protection)
Rogério Gouveia (Finances)
Pedro Fino (Infrastructure)
Furthermore, authorities requested the lifting of the immunity for José Prada - vice president of the regional parliament.
The request for the lifting of parliamentary immunity for the regional secretaries of health and civil protection, finance, and equipment and infrastructure has already reached the ALRAM. The court is also asking for the lifting of immunity for the vice president of the parliament and the secretary-general of the PSD-M, José Prada.
President Albuquerque States He Supports Immunity Lifting
Madeira’s president Miguel Albuquerque, who himself is a defendant and accused of many crimes, welcomed the immunity lifting requests, saying it would allow the officials to clarify any doubts. "It’s better to clear things up," he said during a visit to Câmara de Lobos, adding that transparency is key and that leaving questions unanswered only fuels suspicion. Ironically, none of the accusations against him have been cleared up for way too long already.
Albuquerque Again Says There Are Political Intentions
Albuquerque also again claimed that there are political motivations behind the complaints, arguing that some groups use accusations to damage his government’s credibility. He stressed that such actions hurt not just the officials, but their families and reputations, and are meant to weaken political figures.
Miguel Albuquerque Again Attacks Key Democratic Institutions
When a political leader claims that a prosecution is politically motivated or "rigged," they essentially suggest that the legal process is not impartial and that the prosecutor is acting on behalf of a political agenda or a specific group rather than pursuing justice. The implication is that the prosecution is being used as a tool to harm the leader or their political party, rather than conducting a fair and independent investigation based on facts.
It is indeed more than ironic when the head of state publicly undermines or criticizes the very institutions that are fundamental to the functioning of the democracy he is spearheading. If a leader continually attacks democratic institutions, it can signal a move toward authoritarianism, where the independence of the judiciary and other oversight bodies is compromised.
Assembly to Hold Secret Vote on Immunity
The requests have been sent to the Assembly's Commission of Regulations and Mandates. A secret vote will take place on October 15 to decide whether to lift the officials' immunity. The PSD party, which has a majority, has said it will support the lifting of immunity, making it likely that the vote will pass.
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