Latest news and stories about harassment allegation in legal in Portugal for expats and residents.
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Alberto Gonçalves comments on the disappearance of news coverage about the revelation of the alleged harassment by João Cotrim de Figueiredo.
CNN Portugal commentator Rui Calafate asks whether the rise of the candidate backed by IL will be affected by an allegation of harassment made by a former adviser to the Liberals.
The presidential candidate will file a criminal complaint against Inês Bichão later this Thursday.
IL denies “any internal complaint or report, formal or informal” regarding the candidate for Belém. He also denies having been aware of it and will file a criminal complaint this afternoon.
In under 24 hours Cotrim de Figueiredo’s campaign was rocked by two controversies — a dispute linked to Ventura’s place in the second round and an allegation of harassment — prompting intense media and commentator reaction. A Catholic University poll that places Cotrim third, despite his insistence he can contest the second round, provided immediate relief and helped dissipate some of the political damage. Commentators including Miguel Santos Carrapatoso, Carlos Rodrigues and Bruno Batista framed the episode as a pivotal, potentially career-defining moment: Rodrigues argued Cotrim never sought the presidency, while Batista called the previous day a disastrous political mistake. The net effect is a campaign bruised but not decisively derailed, with the poll softening public fallout even as scrutiny and debate continue.
The liberal candidate admitted that saying he wouldn't rule out supporting any candidate in a potential run-off, including Ventura, was “a rather unfortunate moment”.
Cristina Azevedo believes that Cotrim de Figueiredo's electoral results will not be affected by the sexual harassment allegation made public this week: 'People end up not believing it given the very opportunistic timing of this accusation.'
Cotrim found himself at the centre of controversy after declining to rule out a possible endorsement of Ventura in a second round of the presidential election, and over an alleged harassment case which he denies.
The allegation arises after his remark about possible support for André Ventura in a run-off. Cotrim also flatly denies an accusation of harassment by a former aide of the Liberal Initiative.
CNN Portugal commentator Mafalda Anjos says this Monday was “a horrible day” for João Cotrim de Figueiredo because of his remarks about a possible backing for André Ventura and an allegation of harassment by a former adviser to Iniciativa Liberal.
João Cotrim de Figueiredo’s campaign, which had been gaining momentum, suffered a serious setback after a strategic misstep on second-round strategy and the resurfacing of a harassment allegation on social media. By not ruling out support for Ventura, Cotrim exposed himself to attacks and fractured the narrative of steady progress; the harassment allegation — reportedly known within Iniciativa Liberal for two years — compounded the damage and prompted him to decry ‘low‑level’ and ‘dirty’ politics. The episode shifted the campaign’s focus onto Cotrim personally, energised opponents and risked undoing recent gains as rivals consolidated backing ahead of a possible second round.
The candidate responded with indignation to an accusation by a former aide, insists it is false and says he will take the matter to court.
The allegations were made by a former adviser to Iniciativa Liberal, who currently works for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The candidate was accused of having harassed a former aide. He denied the allegation, says he will file a complaint and defended himself: “Ask any of the dozens of women who worked with me if they have any grounds for complaint.”
João Cotrim de Figueiredo reacts to allegations of harassment made by a former aide, calling them “completely false” and insisting he will not withdraw his presidential candidacy.
The allegations were made by a former aide to Iniciativa Liberal, who currently works for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
