The former prime minister maintained a critical and combative stance, denying the accusations and questioning the legitimacy of the process. Tops such as the award of TGV, business in Venezuela and the relationship with Carlos Santos Silva were addressed.
On the last day of sessions before the judicial vacation, José Sócrates again responded to that imply it in alleged bribes of the Lena group.
The former prime minister reiterated that the accusation is “absurd,” was again warned by the judge for the tone used, but maintained the critical posture, even accusing prosecutors of treating him “as if he was possessed by the demon.”
The Lena business group, headquartered in Leiria and close to Carlos Santos Silva, a longtime friend of Socrates, was at the center of the audience. The prosecutor presented a list of alleged illicit payments that, according to the prosecution, were made to the former head of government.
Using the combative record that has characterized it throughout the process, Socrates sought to dismantle the arguments of the prosecutors. One of the topics covered was the award of the first section of the TGV, delivered to a consortium of which the Lena group was part.
The prosecution argues that, although the work has never advanced, the contract provided for a clause that guaranteed a millionaire compensation to the consortium, and that this clause was inserted by direct influence of Socrates.
In response, the former governor sought to demonstrate what he considers to be the fragility of the accusation, even citing a prosecutor of the former Soviet Union to mock the process.
Santos Silva, Chávez E Venezuela
The Public Prosecution Service also took the session outside the national territory, focusing on the construction of thousands of dwellings in Venezuela, attributed to the Lena Group. The prosecution suggests that the deal was negotiated directly between José Sócrates and then Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez.
In the final stretch of the hearing, prosecutors asked a series of more personal questions, which motivated protests of the defense. The judge, however, allowed the interrogation line.
Among the topics covered was the personal relationship with Carlos Santos Silva, who Socrates confirmed and placed in time, as well as the source of financing his lifestyle after leaving the government, namely during the period in Paris.
Throughout the session, José Sócrates spoke standing, refusing to sit despite the various suggestions of the judge.
