João Galamba is the minister famous for 'staying in place' despite the clear feelings on his suitability expressed by President Marcelo (https://www.portugalresident.com/political-crisis-revenge-is-a-dish-served-cold/). Image: MIGUEL A. LOPES/LUSA

Infrastructure minister to be heard in parliament on TAP privatisation

Portugal’s minister for infrastructure, João Galamba, will be heard in parliament today about the announcement of TAP’s privatisation. His hearing, by the economy, public works, planning and housing committee, is scheduled to take place after the plenary session, which is scheduled to end at 5pm. It has been PCP communists who requested the hearing on the basis that in their eyes TAP’s privatisation is “a crime against the country’s domestic economy and national sovereignty”. Meantime, the government’s plan, set out at the end of last month, is to sell at least 51% of TAP’s capital, reserving up to 5% for the workers. Specifications however will not be firmed up before the end of the year.