The leader of the Left Bloc (BE) Mariana Mortágua has called for the resignation of Hernâni Dias. Dias is the Secretary of State for Local Administration and Territorial Planning. She has also asked for the repeal of the controversial land law. Mortágua believes this law promotes unfair practices and benefits private interests.
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Mariana Mortágua Calls For Resignation Hernâni Dias
Mortágua was speaking at a pre-parliamentary meeting in Coimbra and criticized the law. She said it is hard to understand and accused government officials of not explaining its purpose. She pointed out that even the Minister for Territorial Cohesion Castro Almeida could not clarify it.
Mortágua stated:
What is needed, from now on, is not just for the Secretary of State [for Local Administration and Territorial Planning, Hernâni Dias] to fall. What is needed is for this law to fall, because the problem lies in this law [on land]
Real Estate Interests And Allegations
Mortágua expressed concerns about Hernâni Dias’ actions. She said Dias created two real estate companies after becoming a government official. These companies, she claimed, could benefit from changes in the land law.
Mortágua said:
But he also failed to explain something else: why the Secretary of State who is responsible for this matter set up two real estate companies, after being in Government, and which could benefit from a legal change to the land law
Mortágua also criticized the influence of real estate interests on politics. She mentioned that the PS, PSD, and Chega parties seemed to agree on keeping the law.
Mortágua said:
When in doubt, it is always the national interest: the worst things in this country have always been done in the name of the national interest. Whenever someone wants to change a law, to promote a particular interest, they say it is in the name of the national interest,
Portugal Real Estate History
Mortágua said real estate, speculation and construction dominate Portugal’s economy. She explained these sectors have a long history of shaping political decisions.
She said:
It’s our history: real estate, speculation, construction, it’s our history! These are the interests that come together in this natural and national design that is construction
Allegations Against Hernâni Dias
Hernâni Dias has been under scrutiny after reports by RTP. These reports allege he created two companies that could benefit from the land law. He is also being investigated by the European Public Prosecutor Office for suspected corruption. This investigation is related to his time as mayor of Bragança.
One report mentioned a property occupied by Dias’ son in Porto. The property’s owner is reportedly the son of a partner in a construction company. This company won a government contract for the expansion of Bragança’s industrial zone.
These reports have raised concerns about possible conflicts of interest and transparency in Dias’ actions.
Hernâni Dias Denies Wrongdoing
Hernâni Dias has denied the allegations. He issued a statement saying he has done nothing wrong. He said he has an absolutely clear conscience.
Dias said he has taken steps to ensure accountability. He requested an investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office into the industrial zone project. He also asked the National Civil Engineering Laboratory (LNEC) to conduct an audit.
Regarding the apartment occupied by his son in Porto, Dias said:
The rent was paid by bank transfer, as stated in the contract
Despite his statements, the allegations have led to calls for stricter ethical standards in public office.
Mariana Mortágua Calls For Change
Mariana Mortágua’s criticism of the land law reflects a push for more accountability in government. The Left Bloc has long advocated for reforms to address corruption and inequality in Portugal.
Mortágua said the land law is part of a larger issue. She said:
This law shows how powerful interests influence politics. We need to change that
The controversy has also led to demands for better regulations. Many believe stricter rules are needed to prevent conflicts of interest. The allegations against Hernâni Dias highlight issues in Portugal’s political system. They raise concerns about balancing economic development and ethical governance.
Real estate and construction are important to Portugal’s economy. However, their influence on politics has caused problems. This debate shows the need for more transparency in making laws and policies.
Mariana Mortágua has called for Hernâni Dias to resign and for the repeal of the land law. This has drawn attention to serious issues of ethics in government. Investigations into the allegations are ongoing. The case highlights the need for public officials to act in the best interests of citizens.
The debate over the land law shows deeper problems in Portugal’s politics. Addressing these problems will require changes to laws and better oversight.
Mortágua said:
Real change means fixing the root causes, not just the symptoms.
