Minister Neves Faces Court Trial, Government Accused of Undermining Inquiry
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Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves, is facing a trial at the Court of Auditors stemming from an investigation into alleged corruption at the Portuguese consulate in Rio de Janeiro, which involved elements of the Judicial Police. This comes amidst revelations that Neves was aware of an audit into the PJ in advance and has publicly stated he is not considering resignation despite ongoing controversies. Reports also suggest that the government is attempting to weaken a parliamentary inquiry led by André Ventura by conducting further audits on Neves, indicating political maneuvering.
In other domestic news, the Curators Council of Nova University has advised against ratifying the election of its rector, while the Minister of Education, Fernando Alexandre, announced that the digitalization process for school exams will be evaluated. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Internal Administration has defended the legality of a 4.5 million euro tender for SIRESP, dismissing allegations of favoritism. A Minister has also sent a law designed to facilitate immigrant deportation to the Constitutional Court for review.
On the academic front, an increase in university candidates is seen as a positive sign, though institutions express concerns about a potential lowering of entry standards into higher education.