Chega submits third request for parliamentary inquiry into former police chief Luís Neves

Third attempt at parliamentary inquiry

Portugal's Chega party submitted a new request to the Assembly of the Republic on Friday, 18 September 2026, seeking to establish a parliamentary commission of inquiry into Luís Neves. The initiative marks the party's third attempt to launch an inquiry into Neves's actions during his mandate as national director of the Judicial Police (PJ), which spanned from 2018 to 2026. President of the Assembly José Pedro Aguiar-Branco had rejected the two previous proposals on grounds that they lacked sufficient detail regarding the specific acts and decisions under scrutiny.

Following a meeting between Chega leader André Ventura and Aguiar-Branco on Thursday, 17 September 2026, the party revised the initiative to detail the investigation's scope more exhaustively. Because the submission is a mandatory potestative request, the commission does not require a vote by the full parliament to be established.

Scope and eleven specified allegations

While maintaining the 2018 to 2026 timeframe, the revised proposal outlines 11 distinct areas of investigation into procedures and decisions made under Neves's leadership at the PJ. The request seeks to examine internal procedures concerning the handling and destination of assets seized in the Pacoba investigation, as well as the seizure, custody, and subsequent disappearance of a cryptocurrency wallet containing bitcoins.

The proposal also calls for an investigation into the seizure and subsequent disappearance of approximately 200 firearms, the operational use of PJ motor vehicles, and leaks of sensitive information regarding the identities of PJ inspectors and SIS intelligence agents. Chega also asks parliament to examine potential conflicts of interest regarding contracts awarded to ConstruBarcelos, including private renovation works on Neves's property in the Alentejo and whether journalistic investigations into the company faced interference. Additionally, the party seeks to clarify political oversight during Neves's tenure, focusing on why the PJ was removed from the Operação Influencer investigation during the government of António Costa.

Responses from Ventura and Neves

Ventura presented the details of the filing during a party event in Funchal, Madeira, on Saturday, 19 September 2026, arguing that parliament must scrutinize potential political collusion and compliance with asset declaration obligations. He noted that because Neves expressed willingness to testify, parliamentary leadership should allow the inquiry to move forward.

Luís Neves says that he is very calm and welcomes all investigations. So the President of the Assembly of the Republic should not limit what the target himself accepts in his mandates, what Parliament wants, and what the Portuguese people desire.

Neves, currently serving as Minister of Internal Administration, reiterated that he remains focused on his ministerial duties and will only leave his post if dismissed by the Prime Minister. Speaking after presenting the Annual Internal Security Report in Lisbon, Neves stated that he is prepared to address any inquiries.

I am absolutely calm about facing and clarifying all inquiries, investigations, hearings everywhere. Whatever has to happen, I will be there. I am very happy in my work and we have been taking steps.