Parliament debates controversial police operation
On Saturday, January 11, there will be two opposing demonstrations in Lisbon - one in protest against racism and the other, called by Chega, in support of police forces.
What?
On Wednesday, the Minister of Home Affairs, Margarida Blasco, faced a heated debate in the Portuguese Parliament over a recent police operation at Martim Moniz in Lisbon.
The urgent discussion, called by the far-right Chega party, centered on immigration and police practices, with party leader André Ventura demanding a halt to immigration from the Indian subcontinent and launching attacks on the Roma community.
Blasco, who spoke only twice during the debate, and read statements on both times, firmly defended law enforcement, emphasizing that police operations in Portugal are guided strictly by the rule of law, without influence from “populist agendas,” and irrespective of nationality or skin color.
“In a democratic state under the rule of law, crime is crime and must be fought, without regard to nationality, color, religion, or ethnicity,” she said in her final address during the debate.
The Minister distanced the Government from direct involvement in the Martim Moniz operation, while supporting the continuation of law enforcement inspections under clear legal frameworks.
“The Government will always oppose any attempt to compromise the operational independence of the police,” she stated.
Chega’s Provocations
André Ventura used the debate to attack immigration and criticize the Prime Minister’s response to the Martim Moniz operation.
Ventura argued that “a police operation should not fear the skin color, religion, or ethnicity of those involved” and suggested Europe should reconsider accepting immigrants from the Indian subcontinent and Islamic countries.
He also targeted organizers of an upcoming protest on Saturday, titled “Don’t Push Us Against the Wall,” and announced a parallel event, stating: “We will also be there to show that another country is possible.”
Ventura’s inflammatory rhetoric included calls for strict action against undocumented immigrants and criminal offenders.
Wider Reactions in Parliament
Lawmakers from across the political spectrum debated the proportionality and implications of the police operation.
Socialist MP Isabel Moreira condemned the images of individuals, predominantly from immigrant backgrounds, being lined up against walls as “unthinkable in a democracy.” She called for clarity on the operation’s rationale and methods.
The former Socialist Home Affairs Minister, José Luís Carneiro, argued that Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world and promoted a message of dialogue.
Bloco de Esquerda (Left Bloc) MP Fabian Figueiredo criticized the operation as excessive, highlighting the “social alarm” caused by the heavy police presence and limited results—only two arrests were made, both of Portuguese citizens.
He questioned the timing and communication surrounding the operation, suggesting it perpetuated fear rather than safety.
Meanwhile, the conservative PSD and CDS parties sought to clarify alleged contradictions in official positions, with PSD MP António Rodrigues advocating for simultaneous hearings of the Home Affairs Minister and Lisbon’s police superintendent to uncover discrepancies.
Police and Local Authorities to be Questioned
The Parliament also approved further hearings for the Minister of Home Affairs and the national director of the Public Security Police (PSP) to explain the circumstances of the Martim Moniz operation.
The hearing request was supported by most parties, except Chega, which abstained. The President of the Santa Maria Maior Parish Council will also be invited to share his perspective.
Debate continues over whether police unions should be involved in discussions, as parties remain divided on the relevance of their input in operational matters.
Margarida Blasco emphasized that “security is for everyone, Portuguese and foreigners alike,” pushing back against Ventura’s narrative.
For now, the Government faces the challenge of balancing effective law enforcement with adherence to democratic principles, amid rising tensions fueled by populist rhetoric and concerns over public safety.
Is the minister called Mariana or Margarida Blasco? I think it is Margarida but in the post (unlike in the photo caption) you refer to her as Mariana.