25 November 2014 Last updated at 00:47
Portugal ex-PM Jose Socrates to be held amid corruption probe
The decision to detain Jose Socrates sent shockwaves through Portuguese politics Portugal's former centre-left prime mini ... read full comment
25 November 2014 Last updated at 00:47
Portugal ex-PM Jose Socrates to be held amid corruption probe
The decision to detain Jose Socrates sent shockwaves through Portuguese politics Portugal's former centre-left prime minister, Jose Socrates, has been remanded in custody on preliminary charges of corruption and tax fraud. Mr Socrates, 57, was detained on his return from Paris on Friday and has already spent three nights in jail. The judge delivered the decision after investigators looked into suspicious money transfers and banking operations. Mr Socrates, who denies any wrongdoing, is being investigated alongside his driver, a close friend, and a lawyer. The former prime minister was in office from 2005 to 2011. His lawyer, Joao Araujo, told reporters on Monday that his client would appeal against the decision. Under the Portuguese system, formal charges only come at the end of an investigation which could last up to eight months, says the BBC's Alison Roberts in Lisbon. Portuguese politics was already reeling after the resignation of Interior Minister Miguel Macedo in the wake of a separate corruption inquiry linked to the allocation of residence permits.
Portugal in shock - by Alison Roberts, BBC News, Lisbon
Jose Socrates' detention has sent shockwaves through the political system. Reports purporting to provide details of the investigation - which is covered by judicial secrecy - have swirled since Friday night, when the news broke. They focus on Mr Socrates' supposedly lavish lifestyle in Paris, where he moved after stepping down in 2011. In past interviews, he has denied anything untoward about his finances. Antonio Costa, elected Socialist leader on Saturday, said everyone was in shock over Mr Socrates' detention His detention - on arrival at Lisbon airport, rather than at his flat, and with photographers present - prompted some prominent Socialists to argue it was to divert attention from suspicions of corruption in the right-of-centre government's "golden visa" programme, which fast-tracks residence for foreign investors. The Socialists' newly elected leader, Antonio Costa, a minister under Mr Socrates, was until now expected to sweep to victory in next year's general election following years of austerity. He is conscious of the perils of the situation. Because the case surrounding Mr Socrates comes under judicial secrecy, few details have been confirmed. It is unclear whether the inquiry relates to his time in office. However, Portuguese media has reported allegations that his driver Joao Perna made a number of trips transporting cash to Paris, where Mr Socrates has been working in a new role at a pharmaceutical company. Current Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho gave his backing to the country's "strong institutions" One of Mr Socrates' long-time friends, Carlos Santos Silva, is being questioned along with lawyer Goncalo Trindade Ferreira. Two of the suspects are also being held on remand, while a fourth has been barred from foreign travel. Centre-right Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho said the case involved law rather than politics, adding that "Portugal has strong institutions that work". But the investigation has rocked Mr Socrates' Socialists, now led by Lisbon Mayor Antonio Costa who was elected as secretary-general of the party on Saturday. Mr Socrates resigned in 2011 in the midst of Portugal's mounting debt crisis. The Socialists are currently leading in opinion polls and Mr Costa said on Saturday that "we mustn't let personal feelings of solidarity and friendship impede the political action of the (party)".
The mask 9 years ago
Countries train their doctors differently and award different degrees. It is time we started conferring Doctor of Medicine degrees to MBChB students who have performed the necessary research projects as some countries do.
... read full comment
Countries train their doctors differently and award different degrees. It is time we started conferring Doctor of Medicine degrees to MBChB students who have performed the necessary research projects as some countries do.
The current practice where newly inducted doctors called house officers with no experience whatsoever are left to experiment with (attend to) serious medical cases while residents, specialists and consultants are away must be put to a stop immediately. There must be at least one specialist present 24 hours in three shift rotations to supervise them. Our health system as it is presently is not the best. The situation in the countryside and rural communities is even worse.
Do not doubt the wisdom in these words.
Thank you. 9 years ago
Instead of feeding prisoners free of charge would it be great to make them more useful in our society in cleaning
exercise .
Instead of feeding prisoners free of charge would it be great to make them more useful in our society in cleaning
exercise .
MARCUS AMPADU 9 years ago
Chiefs throughout the nation must help to set up permanent green spaces in their jurisdictions and see to their upkeep using the services of their Asafo.
Chiefs throughout the nation must help to set up permanent green spaces in their jurisdictions and see to their upkeep using the services of their Asafo.
ob beku me ooo 9 years ago
for 3 months personnel in ashanti havnt been paid their allowance n u dare talk abt working down da streets. its just funny to hear this that cash trapped persons like me wd join with hunger to accomplish ur so called dreams
for 3 months personnel in ashanti havnt been paid their allowance n u dare talk abt working down da streets. its just funny to hear this that cash trapped persons like me wd join with hunger to accomplish ur so called dreams
Fed up pedant! 9 years ago
Look it up in the dictionary. You don't mean hinted, you mean said. Trying to sound clever makes you sound the reverse!
Look it up in the dictionary. You don't mean hinted, you mean said. Trying to sound clever makes you sound the reverse!
OB 9 years ago
IS GUD TO MAKE OUR CITY CLEAN BUT U FUCK PRESIDENT WE ELECTED U TO ADDRESS SOME PRESENT OUR GRIEVANCES TO THE CORRUPT OFFICIALS OF NSS BUT IT SEEMS U V IGNORED IT. U ALL WILL RECEIVE UR REWARD , IS AWAITING U.
IS GUD TO MAKE OUR CITY CLEAN BUT U FUCK PRESIDENT WE ELECTED U TO ADDRESS SOME PRESENT OUR GRIEVANCES TO THE CORRUPT OFFICIALS OF NSS BUT IT SEEMS U V IGNORED IT. U ALL WILL RECEIVE UR REWARD , IS AWAITING U.
nash 9 years ago
pls paid e moni to e service personnel cos ey need moni. for e past 3 months no pay why.
pls paid e moni to e service personnel cos ey need moni. for e past 3 months no pay why.
Is this going to be another chop chop?
25 November 2014 Last updated at 00:47
Portugal ex-PM Jose Socrates to be held amid corruption probe
The decision to detain Jose Socrates sent shockwaves through Portuguese politics Portugal's former centre-left prime mini ...
read full comment
Countries train their doctors differently and award different degrees. It is time we started conferring Doctor of Medicine degrees to MBChB students who have performed the necessary research projects as some countries do.
...
read full comment
Instead of feeding prisoners free of charge would it be great to make them more useful in our society in cleaning
exercise .
Chiefs throughout the nation must help to set up permanent green spaces in their jurisdictions and see to their upkeep using the services of their Asafo.
for 3 months personnel in ashanti havnt been paid their allowance n u dare talk abt working down da streets. its just funny to hear this that cash trapped persons like me wd join with hunger to accomplish ur so called dreams
Look it up in the dictionary. You don't mean hinted, you mean said. Trying to sound clever makes you sound the reverse!
IS GUD TO MAKE OUR CITY CLEAN BUT U FUCK PRESIDENT WE ELECTED U TO ADDRESS SOME PRESENT OUR GRIEVANCES TO THE CORRUPT OFFICIALS OF NSS BUT IT SEEMS U V IGNORED IT. U ALL WILL RECEIVE UR REWARD , IS AWAITING U.
pls paid e moni to e service personnel cos ey need moni. for e past 3 months no pay why.