João Lourenço took stock of the efforts to combat corruption, which has been one of his political priorities. Portugal has been asked to help by making “illicitly acquired resources” available.
The President of Angola affirmed this Tuesday that “it is time” for other countries to join Angolan efforts in anti-corruption fightannouncing a request for the return of almost two billion dollars to several nations, including Portugal.
João Lourenço, who spoke at the opening of the parliamentary year in the National Assembly, addressing the country with his message on the State of the Nation, guaranteed that the moralization of society and the fight against corruption remain at the top of the priorities of the executive. evaluate the results obtained and who translated in 323 criminal cases, of which 47 are already on trial.
According to the president, the executive’s actions have allowed the recovery of properties, shares and financial resources valued at more than 1.8 billion dollars (1.65 billion euros) since August 2023, with the restitution of more 1.9 billion dollars (1,740 million euros) to Portugal, Bermuda, Switzerland, Singapore, Luxembourg, Namibia and the United Arab Emirates after judicial procedures with firm and unappealable decisions.
The Attorney General’s Office ordered the embargo and requested the seizure of assets and financial resources worth 950 million dollars (870.5 million euros), of which a substantial part was located abroad, continued João Lourenço, highlighting that “Angola has made a great effort in the field of fighting corruption and asset recovery.”
“It is time to demand that the different States, which were the Destinations of illicitly acquired resources.”To join the effort that our country has made and make available these resources that belong to the Angolan people so that they can be put at the service of the national economy,” declared the President, who was effusively applauded.
The head of state addressed the challenges in the Justice sector, which include increasing the availability and improvement of services and the Justice Reform, highlighting the inauguration of three new district courts and the admission of new judges, prosecutors and judicial employees.
Another objective is the creation of the Vault of the Cortes Generales, which was considered an “important instrument to affirm the administrative autonomy of the courts, within the framework of the principle of budgetary unity”, as well as the approval of the new statute of the magistrates. judicial and the Public Ministry, as well as the new remuneration regime, in line with the permanent effort to improve working conditions.
João Lourenço stated that “the most urgent phase” of the fight against corruption has been “overcome”, followed by “a more structured and coordinated action”, with emphasis on staff training and preventive measures.
Source: Observadora
