Justice system in Portugal is known for being slow especially when it comes to high profile cases. Many investigations involving politicians and business leaders have dragged on for years. This has left the public feeling frustrated. However, there might be a change with the new Attorney General, Amadeu Guerra in the country to resolve the EDP case.
Just as his predecessor stepped down, Guerra made a strong move on his first day in office. He demanded that the long running EDP excessive rents case be finished in just 20 days.
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Attorney General Sets Deadline For EDP Case
The EDP excessive rents case is one of the most famous and longest running cases in Portugal. It started more than 12 years ago and involves former EDP executives António Mexia and João Manso Neto. They are accused of manipulating energy prices that cause consumers to pay much more than they should have.
Former economy minister Manuel Pinho is also involved in the case. He was recently sentenced to 10 years in prison for corruption but the cases against Mexia and Neto have dragged on.
This case has been delayed many times. In June 2024, the previous Attorney General Lucília Gago gave investigators three more months to finish their work.
When that extension expired investigators asked for another month to complete the case. But instead of granting the full month Guerra decided to give them only 20 more days. He signed an order on October 3 with a final deadline of October 23.
Amadeu Guerra has shown that he is not afraid to make tough decisions. His demand to speed up the EDP case sends a strong message. It shows that he wants to see results quickly. Even though he has not been officially sworn in yet, Guerra is already acting like a leader.
The deadline he has set to October 23 which is much shorter than the extensions usually given in complex cases like this.. This shows that Guerra is serious about ending the delays.
Some people are wondering if the investigators will be able to finish the case in such a short time. But many others think that this push is necessary. The EDP case has gone on for far too long and Guerra’s firm approach may be exactly what is needed to bring it to a close.
Amadeu Guerra Actions For Other Big Cases
The EDP case is not the only investigation that has been delayed for years. Several other big cases have also been stuck in the system. One example is the BES case which involves the collapse of a major Portuguese bank Banco Espírito Santo. This case has been going on for over 10 years without a resolution.
Another long running case is Operation Marquês. This case involves former prime minister José Sócrates, who is accused of corruption. Like the BES case it has been in the courts for more than a decade.
There is also the more recent Operation Influencer case. This investigation caused a major political shake-up and contributed to the collapse of the Socialist Party’s absolute majority government.
People are now wondering if Guerra will take the same tough approach to these cases as he did with the EDP case. If he does then it could mean that other long standing investigations will finally come to an end.
Many hope that Guerra’s approach will bring long-overdue closure to these cases and restore public confidence in the justice system.
However, there are risks to rushing investigations. If the investigators can not meet the deadline it could create more problems than it solves. But Guerra’s move is a strong statement that he wants to see results, not endless delays.
