LISBON, Feb 28 (Reuters) - Portugal's Prime Minister Luis Montenegro rejected on Friday claims by the opposition about a conflict of interest regarding his role and a consulting firm he established, announcing an extraordinary cabinet meeting would be held to review the situation.
Addressing the press, Montenegro stated that following Saturday's cabinet session, he would deliver a public statement to "evaluate all aspects of the personal and political context."
He emphasized the need for clarification "so that the government can fully focus on serving the Portuguese people."
Montenegro, who assumed office in April 2024, asserted, "As prime minister and in all my public roles, I have never made decisions that conflicted with any professional activities or personal interests."
He did not hint at resigning, despite calls from several opposition parties in response to media reports about contracts between his family firm and private companies that were perceived to be beneficial to him. Some parties, including the far-right Chega, proposed that Montenegro face a vote of confidence in parliament.
Subsequently, during a press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Porto, he confirmed his attendance at the upcoming European Council meeting as prime minister.
Montenegro informed parliament that he founded the company, Spinumviva, in 2021 when he was not involved in politics. The firm aimed to offer consulting services in data protection, a field in which he specialized as a lawyer, he explained.
Upon assuming the leadership of the center-right Social Democratic Party the following year, he relinquished control and ownership of the company. Its annual revenue reached a peak of 415,000 euros ($431,558) in 2022, managed by his wife and sons. Montenegro also divested his interest in the law firm Sousa Pinheiro & Montenegro (SP&M) at that time.
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