The journalist is part of the list of witnesses linked to the former prime minister’s inner circle and is the first to speak in court. He did not elaborate on his answers and did not want to detail the depth of the relationship he had with the former prime minister.
Journalist Fernanda Câncio, who maintained a close relationship with José Sócrates, guarantees that she learned that the Paris house was in the name of Carlos Santos Silva through a report in Sábado magazine.
“I bought the magazine and was astonished. There was a wiretap in which I called José Sócrates and asked about it. I expressed my surprise”, said the journalist in court.
Regarding this telephone conversation, in 2014, Fernanda Câncio accuses the Public Ministry (MP) of having ignored evidence that does not correspond to the accusation’s narrative. “Strangely, this wiretap never appeared. They didn’t reveal it, because…”said Fernanda Câncio, journalist.
Called as a witness by the Public Prosecutor’s Office for having private relations with the former prime minister, Fernanda Câncio confirms that they spent holidays in Formentera, Menorca, Crete and Venice and that she was convinced that it was always José Sócrates who paid.
Prosecutor: Who paid for the vacation?
Fernanda Câncio: I was invited. I assumed that it was José Sócrates who was inviting me. I started from that assumption.
Prosecutor: Was José Sócrates carrying cash?
Fernanda Câncio: Some, I assume. Sometimes I saw some money being used. I wasn’t with José Sócrates when he was paying for things. I don’t know if I paid with cash or card.
The journalist is part of the list of witnesses linked to the former prime minister’s inner circle and is the first to speak in court. He did not elaborate on his answers and did not want to detail the depth of the relationship he had with the former prime minister.
Fernanda Câncio: I met him somewhere between the end of the century. XX and beginning of the century. XXI.
Judge: But it was a friendly, loving relationship…?
Fernanda Câncio: I would prefer not to answer that.
Judge: The court does not intend to affect you personally.
Fernanda Câncio: I never had a life in common. I never cohabited. I never had any savings with this person.
Prosecutor: I already realized that it is a sensitive topic. When did you become closer? If you can name a year….
Fernanda Câncio: Sorry, who are you?
Prosecutor: Rui Real, nice to meet you.
José Sócrates was not present at this Wednesday’s session, as has been the case in recent weeks.
