Passos Coelho's Humorous Testimony in BES Trial: A Peek Behind the Scenes

A Lighthearted Session in Court

During the trial this Tuesday, Judge Helena Susano brought humor to the proceedings, acknowledging the former Prime Minister's status as a public figure and urging one defense attorney to have faith in the court.

Passos Coelho, the ex-Prime Minister, also contributed to the light atmosphere with witty remarks. In a notable exchange with attorney José Miguel Duarte, he recalled a conversation regarding Angola's sovereign guarantee to BES during a 2014 CPLP summit, jokingly referencing his age.

Passos Coelho: "I remember because I turned 50 there... and a milestone like that is unforgettable."

Their banter elicited laughter in the courtroom, showcasing Coelho's ability to lighten a serious situation.

As the session wrapped up, Judge Susano humorously suggested that Coelho could answer a question without the obligation of truth, teasing him about his potential candidacy. Coelho responded with his familiar answer: "No, I will not be a candidate for anything."

The Discomfort of Ricardo Salgado

The court also revisited Coelho's previous meetings with Ricardo Salgado, the former CEO of BES, where they discussed the bank's challenges. Coelho explained that Salgado expressed discomfort regarding the Bank of Portugal's pressure on BES's financial situation, indicating a struggle within the banking sector.

In a second meeting, Salgado sought Coelho's intervention to secure a €2 billion loan from the Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD), but Coelho made it clear that such a plan lacked government support and feasibility, stating:

"I conveyed that this plan had no viability and that I would not instruct CGD to proceed with it."

Coelho's testimony highlights the complexities surrounding the collapse of BES and the political dynamics at play during that critical period.