Defence Minister resigns still denying knowledge of Tancos cover-up

The Minister of National Defence, José Azeredo Lopes, has handed in his resignation.

Lopes said he could not let the Armed Forces be eroded by continuing political attacks on the minister who supervises them.

As for the theft and return of military munitions from the Tancos military base in June 2017, and the subsequent Army cover-up, the outgoing minister continued to deny that he had any knowledge, "direct or indirect,” of an operation in which an elaborate cover-up was intended to protect the perpetrator of the theft. The truth of this bizarre affair will come out in court but it increasingly clear that the minister knew the details, all along.

As for his timing, Azeredo Lopes claimed that he wanted to wait for the finalisation of the State Budget proposal for 2019, so as “not to disturb this process with his leaving.”

In fact, the political water had become so hot, Lopes had no choice but to leave or be sacked.

Prime Minister, António Costa accepted his minister's resignation after having firmly defended Lopes during a parliament debate on Wednesday. Costa said Azeredo Lopes had his trust and should remain in office.

Yesterday’s revelation that houses issued to military personnel are being let to tourists via Airbnb and other tourist sites, did not strengthen the minister’s chances of survival.

The Ministry of Defense confirmed yesterday that a house leased by the Institute was being rented to tourists. The house was in the name of Major Vasco Brazão, whose son was punting the property on Airbnb.

These military properties are issued to military personnel through a closed tendering process but they are then meant to live in them, rather than let them to tourists.

Two hours before his resignation, Lopes launched a final counter-attack against his critics, demanding that the Institute of Social Action of the Armed Forces submit a list of sub-let armed forces’ houses and promising to delve into the whole issue of military accommodation.

This was weak and the minister clearly was in his final hours.

Revelations that a senior military figure was taking advantage of a low rent and then allowing his son to sublet the property to tourists, was the final nail in the minister’s coffin but the Tancos affair was his downfall.

Lopes now is unable to control the information surrounding the mysterious theft and reappearance of weapons and munitions and the forthcoming court case will be crucial to his reputation.

The Minister of Defence is the third minister to quit during António Costa's premiership,  João Soares and Constança Urbano de Sousa preceded José Azeredo Lopes.

See also: 'Anti-tank grenades and plastic explosive vanishes from army supply depot'

You must be a registered user to make comments.
Please register here to post your comments.