Portuguese Prime Minister Montenegro Faces Pressure to Dismiss Interior Minister Luís Neves

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro met with Socialist Party leader José Luís Carneiro in the Azores to lower political tension ahead of the national budget discussion. The meeting follows escalating criticism from André Ventura, leader of the far‑right Chega party, who has repeatedly called for the resignation of Interior Minister Luís Neves. Ventura alleges that Neves has criminal ties to construction businessman João Santos Carvalho and questions the legality of contracts awarded during Neves' former role as police director, describing the situation as "state capture" and "criminal complicity." Ventura sent letters to Montenegro and to the President, urging the removal of Neves to preserve public confidence in institutions. Neves has remained silent, saying he is under pressure, while Montenegro has expressed continued trust in his minister.

The dispute intensifies political friction in Portugal just weeks before the budget is debated, raising questions about government stability and the handling of alleged corruption within the interior ministry.