Former Iniciativa Liberal president Rui Rocha accused PSD parliamentary leader Hugo Soares of betraying the right and his own party's history by urging deputies to vote for Tiago Antunes as Ombudsman. The Socialist-backed candidate, part of what Rocha calls a “backroom deal” between the PSD, PS, and Chega, requires a two-thirds majority in today's parliamentary vote. Rocha, who previously linked Antunes to the “Miguel Abrantes” pseudonym used in pro-Sócrates blogs, claims Antunes was part of a government-funded machine for public opinion manipulation and intimidation. Rocha argues the PSD should have demanded a different candidate, suggesting Soares is enabling a figure who might oversee sensitive state compensation cases involving José Sócrates.
Rui Rocha accuses Hugo Soares of "betrayal of the right" for supporting Tiago Antunes for Ombudsman
Context & Explainers
The Council of State (Conselho de Estado) is a constitutionally established advisory body that the President consults on major acts, such as dissolving parliament or declaring exceptional states. Five of its members are elected by the Assembly of the Republic, so a delay in those Assembly votes postpones the council’s full composition and can affect which voices formally advise the President.
The Ombudsman (Provedor de Justiça) is an independent public institution that investigates complaints from citizens about the actions or omissions of public bodies. It can review cases, issue non-binding recommendations and publish reports, so tenants or landlords who face delays or irregularities with state housing supports can take their complaints there.
