Portugal Transparency Commission to review complaint against Socialist Party deputy

The Transparency and Statute of Deputies Commission in Portugal will review a complaint filed by Rui Paulo Sousa, president of the commission and member of the Chega party, against Socialist Party deputy José Carlos Barbosa.

The complaint follows social media posts made by Barbosa during a train journey through Russia. In these posts, Barbosa referred to Sousa as ‘racist, a liar, not very smart, and incapable,’ while also referencing his role as commission president. This occurred after Sousa criticized Barbosa’s private trip through Russia, a country currently under sanctions by Portugal and the European Union.

José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, President of the Assembly of the Republic, ruled that the social media posts are relevant to parliamentary duties because there is a direct connection between the remarks and the political activities of both deputies. The commission will now investigate whether Barbosa’s conduct violated the duties required of a member of parliament.