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Portuguese opposition party accuses gov't of "lack of transparency" over TAP sale

Xinhua, June 15, 2015 Adjust font size:

Portugal's main opposition Socialist Party has accused the government for a "lack of transparency" and "secrecy" over the privatization of TAP Air Portugal, according to local media reports on Monday.

Rui Paulo Figueiredo, deputy of the Socialist Party, told journalists at parliament that "the government wants to reach the elections with everything that is related to TAP hidden in a closet."

When asked if the Socialist Party intended to appeal to the European Commission, Paulo Figueiredo answered: "We are considering all mechanisms, because this is an absolutely essential and relevant matter. We understand that we are practically giving TAP away for free."

The Socialist Party has said that if it wins the general elections this autumn it will do everything in its hands to reverse the sale.

Portugal sold a stake in TAP to a consortium led by American-Brazilian investor David Neeleman last week.

The sale was part of the government's agreement in 2011 with the European Central Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the European Commission to meet the conditions under its 78-billion-euro (about 87 billion U.S. dollars) bailout program.

The Socialist Party has strongly opposed austerity over the past years, with its plan aiming to increase spending in healthcare and education and make it more difficult to lay-off employees.

Portugal's elections will see a fierce contest between the main ruling coalition and the Socialist Party, with a recent poll showing that the Socialists have seen their lead drop slightly over the ruling party and analysts pointing out that there is a risk of there being no parliamentary majority. Endit