Latest news and stories about municipal government in Oeiras, Lisboa, Portugal for expats and residents.
The Chega party has tabled a motion of no confidence against Oeiras Mayor Isaltino Morais following his indictment for the alleged misuse of 150,000 euros in public funds for personal expenses.
Oeiras Mayor Isaltino Morais and 22 municipal officials face charges of embezzlement and abuse of power for allegedly misusing 150,000 euros of public funds on over 1,400 meals between 2017 and 2025.
The majority voted against the suspension of the mayor, who is accused alongside 22 other officials of embezzlement and abuse of power regarding 150,000 euros in meal expenses.
The Oeiras Municipal Assembly rejected a motion of censure on Tuesday, proposed by Chega, which called for the suspension of Mayor Isaltino Morais's mandate following a Public Prosecutor's indictment regarding meal expenses. The motion was defeated by a majority, with votes against from the Isaltino Inovar Oeiras 25 (INOV) movement, PS, Evoluir Oeiras (Livre/BE/Volt), CDU (PCP/PEV), and PAN, while IL abstained and Chega voted in favour. The indictment involves the mayor and 22 others accused of embezzlement and abuse of power related to over 150,000 euros in meal expenses. During the debate, political parties criticised the motion for conflating accusation with conviction and violating the presumption of innocence, though they emphasised the need for political scrutiny. Mayor Morais defended himself, stating the expenses cover seven years and thousands of meals, rejecting claims of misuse of public funds.
Three deputies from the party requested the immediate “suspension of duties or resignation” of the mayor of Oeiras and 22 other people accused of misuse of public funds.
Chega in Oeiras presents a motion of no confidence against Isaltino Morais. Francisco O'Neill speaks of an ethical issue that “does not dignify the municipality” and says he is expectant regarding the vote of the remaining opposition.
The Public Prosecutor's Office has charged the Mayor of Oeiras, Isaltino Morais, and 22 other defendants, including councillors and staff, with embezzlement and abuse of power. The charges relate to the misuse of 150,000 euros of municipal funds for personal meals between 2017 and 2024. The prosecution is seeking the removal of the officials from office and the repayment of the funds. The Oeiras City Council has denied the allegations, stating that all expenses were legitimate work-related costs incurred in accordance with standard municipal practices.
