Pedro Nuno Santos Blames Prime Minister for Potential Rise in Insecurity in Portugal

Pedro Nuno Santos on Portugal's Security

The Secretary-General of the PS, Pedro Nuno Santos, recently expressed his views on the police actions in Martim Moniz, critiquing the government's response. He stated that if insecurity worsens, the responsibility will lie with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and his government. According to Santos, Portugal's status as one of the safest countries globally is a result of the effective governance by the PS.

In a post on social media platform X, Santos emphasized that the PS has always been more effective in ensuring the safety of the Portuguese people. He noted that Montenegro inherited a positive legacy in security, and any deterioration in the situation would reflect poorly on the current administration.

In conjunction with Montenegro's interview in the Diário de Notícias, where he discussed the police actions in Martim Moniz, Santos remarked that the recent controversial police operation and the government's reaction to widespread criticism warranted further comment. He expressed doubts about the legality of the operation, labeling Montenegro's government as the most extreme in recent decades.

Montenegro countered, stating it is improper to label preventive police actions in crime-prone areas as extremist governance. Santos further criticized the right-wing's approach, suggesting they believe that occasional, disproportionate raids are key to ensuring public safety.

He argued that security is more effectively maintained through community policing, the installation of surveillance cameras, and investment in public spaces, which are under the responsibility of the Lisbon City Council.