Portugal interior minister Luís Neves faces parliamentary scrutiny over integrity case

Portugal’s interior minister Luís Neves, former director of the Polícia Judiciária (PJ), is under intense political pressure after investigations linked to contracts with the construction firm Construbarcelos and a seized atrelado in a drug‑trafficking case. Opposition parties – including the Socialist Party (PS), the right‑wing Chega and the liberal Iniciativa Liberal (IL) – have demanded rapid, detailed explanations, warning that the silence harms the credibility of the government, the PSD and the PJ.

Former PSD leader Rui Rio said the affair “deeply shakes” the party’s credibility and urged the prime minister to demand swift answers, otherwise the case could benefit populist parties. The PS’s secretary‑general José Luís Carneiro called for transparency, emphasizing the presumption of innocence while awaiting Neves’ promised clarifications, expected next week. Chega’s leader André Ventura announced plans for a parliamentary inquiry (CPI) into Neves’ tenure at the PJ, stating the investigation will proceed even if he leaves office.

Neves has repeatedly told journalists he is “absolutely calm” and will explain “point by point in his own time,” but has not set a date. Justice minister Rita Alarcão Júdice said he is handling the process as best he can and that the case does not “pinch” confidence in the PJ. The controversy continues to dominate Portugal’s political agenda as parties vie for accountability and the government seeks to preserve institutional trust.