Pedro Passos Coelho's Brief Appearance: Justice Hearing Delayed Again Amid Strike

Brief Encounter at Justice Campus

Pedro Passos Coelho, the former Prime Minister of Portugal, made a quick visit to the Justice Campus, lasting only five minutes, as his hearing regarding the BES case was once again postponed due to a strike by judicial officials called by the Judicial Officials Union.

Upon arrival, Coelho expressed his readiness to "answer all questions" posed by the court, yet emphasized that his involvement in the case is "reasonably clarified". He stated, "I would be glad to answer anything that is not clarified".

Comments on Politics

When asked about the upcoming presidential elections, Coelho stated that he is "out of politics" and is content with his current situation. He refrained from commenting on the latest poll results, suggesting those inquiries should be directed towards the polling companies.

Ongoing Strike Impact

The strike primarily affects the morning sessions, and it remains uncertain whether the afternoon hearings will also be canceled.

Background on the BES Case

Coelho served as Prime Minister during the resolution of the BES bank in the summer of 2014. His questioning had been scheduled for October 30, 2024. Currently, the case involves 18 defendants, including former bank president Ricardo Salgado, who is 80 years old and diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Salgado faces approximately 60 charges, including criminal association and active corruption in the private sector.

The Public Ministry estimates that the acts allegedly committed between 2009 and 2014 by the defendants, former executives of BES and other entities related to GES, resulted in damages of €11.8 billion.