It’s a billion euro EU fund that is meant to kick-start Portugal towards economic success, but rumblings of corruption and favouritism have already begun.
Correio da Manhã carried a report on February 13 about QREN coordinator and former PSD MP Pedro Saraiva being accused of helping “various companies” – in which he has shares – receive community funding.
Pedro Saraiva, president of the central region’s commission for coordination and development (CCDRC), is accused of obtaining privileged information and supporting businesses which, in one way or other, are connected to his own, says the newspaper.
The accusations come from a group of businessmen who have sent a list of Saraiva’s alleged “illegalities” to PJ police. Correio da Manhã claims to have had access to the list and says it itemises 82 public contracts worth €3 million and awarded to entities to which Saraiva has been connected.
As the businessmen behind the claims query: “How can anyone on one hand be preparing projects for councils, council associations, firms and universities, and on the other hand be able to approve and finance them?”
The businessmen accuse Saraiva of “lack of morals and ethics” and for “ambition without limits”.
Contacted by Correio da Manhã, Saraiva has said he will respond to the accusations in writing.
Sources close to him have told the newspaper that the former politician’s conscience is “tranquil”.
