Summary:
Defense Minister Nuno Melo and Admiral Gouveia e Melo met in a Lisbon bar, raising eyebrows.
Melo insists it’s normal for defense ministers to meet with military leaders, regardless of location.
The meeting was not publicized and occurred after the National Council of the CDS congress.
Gouveia e Melo discusses his upcoming departure from the Navy amid international tensions.
He emphasizes decision-making based on conscience, not polls.
Meeting in a Lisbon Bar
On Tuesday night, Defense Minister Nuno Melo was spotted meeting with Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo, the Chief of the Navy Staff, in a bar in Lisbon, sparking curiosity. However, Melo dismissed any concerns, stating that it is normal for a defense minister to discuss important matters with military leaders, regardless of the location.
After the National Council of the CDS congress, Melo addressed questions from journalists regarding the informal meeting, which was not publicized. He remarked, “It’s expected that a defense minister has many matters to discuss with a military chief.”
When asked about the choice of venue, Melo reiterated, “Wherever it may be, it’s not an issue.”
Context of the Meeting
According to Página Um, which reported on the meeting with accompanying photographs, the admiral was seen in civilian attire during their rendezvous. This meeting coincided with discussions at the Academy of Military Sciences in Amadora, where the admiral was asked about his upcoming departure from the Navy and its implications amid current international tensions.
In response to questions about his potential candidacy for the Presidency of the Republic, Gouveia e Melo stated, “I do not make decisions based on polls or any other processes; I rely on my conscience.”
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