André Ventura rejects António Costa victim status in Operação Influencer

André Ventura, leader of the Chega party, has rejected claims that former Prime Minister António Costa is a victim regarding his inability to access files in the ‘Operação Influencer’ investigation. Speaking in Aveiro, Ventura criticized the media attention surrounding the case, suggesting that Costa is being treated as though the public owes him an apology.

Ventura asserted that Costa has been involved in a “web of malfeasance” related to lithium and hydrogen business deals, regardless of whether personal guilt is ultimately proven. He also called for judicial reform, arguing that the system must improve for all citizens rather than just responding to cases involving high-profile figures like Costa or Luís Montenegro.

The Attorney General's Office (PGR) maintained that current laws prohibit Costa from consulting the Operação Influencer files because he is not a formal participant in the inquiry, which is subject to external judicial secrecy. This follows reports that the Public Ministry had previously denied multiple requests from the former Prime Minister to access the case files between 2015 and 2024.