In a statement, the PS deputies argue that, given the seriousness of the reported facts concerning the new Provedor, Paulo Alexandre Sousa, they question the authority over "the knowledge of the case, as well as the compatibility of his profile with the need for 'financial credibility' that he mentioned in the hearing held at the Assembly of the Republic".

The new Provedor of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa, Paulo Alexandre Sousa, was announced on Thursday by the Minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security, Maria do Rosário Ramalho.

The socialist deputies recall that "shortly after" the announcement of the new Provedor, who held the presidency of the Executive Committee of Banco Comercial e de Investimentos (BCI), the media reported that Paulo Alexandre Sousa had been banned four years ago by the Central Bank of Mozambique from holding social positions and management functions in credit institutions and financial companies for three years.

The PS parliamentary group recalls that the appointment of the new Provedor comes after the Board of Santa Casa "still in office was dismissed under circumstances that remain unclear" and points out that, at the hearing, the minister presented the new Provedor as a "reputable economist", with "extensive experience" internationally and in the social sector, with a profile suitable to strengthen the financial credibility of the institution".

In view of all this, the PS deputies also want to know if the person responsible for the authority "can guarantee that this process will not undermine trust in the institution" and if "she considers that the person chosen has a profile compatible with the "financial credibility" that she mentioned at the hearing".

Meanwhile, an official source from the Ministry supervised by Maria do Rosário Ramalho clarified that Paulo Alexandre de Sousa appealed the ban, through the courts, and "was acquitted, with res judicata, in 2020".

"This decision by the Mozambican judiciary proves that the new Provedor has the suitability, capacity and competence necessary to hold this position", said the same source.

Regarding the case of the ban, the source specified that regarding the ban on holding social positions and management functions in credit institutions and financial companies, applied by the Bank of Mozambique in 2019, Paulo Alexandre de Sousa appealed this decision to the Bank of Mozambique, which did not lift the suspensive effect.

However, the source also indicated that the person concerned appealed through the courts and was acquitted, with res judicata, in 2020.

Read Also: "I hope to nominate someone". Moedas demands CML representative at Santa Casa (Portuguese version)