Portugal’s government feels strain of corruption cases

LISBON, Portugal – Portugal’s governing Socialist Party is in disarray over how to react to corruption investigations against some of its former senior members, including a former prime minister.

New allegations that former Energy Minister Manuel Pinho took money from a company while in office, coming after accusations that ex-PM Jose Socrates pocketed 34 million euros ($40 million dollars), have caused discomfort and squabbling in the centre-left party, which runs a minority government.

Compelled by a public outcry to comment, Prime Minister Antonio Costa said that if his former colleagues are convicted it would be “a disgrace” for Portuguese democracy.

That triggered outrage Friday among some prominent Socialists who want to stand by the accused.

Socrates quit the party, saying he wanted an end to the “mutual embarrassment.”