Oeiras Council rocked by public funds scandal over unauthorised meals

A public funds scandal has rocked the Oeiras Municipal Council after officials allegedly misused taxpayer money for unauthorised meals. The scheme, spanning from 2017 to at least mid-2024, involved senior figures including council president Isaltino Morais and former deputy Elisabete Oliveira. Prosecutors now seek their removal from office if convicted.

The investigation reveals that over 1,400 meals were improperly charged to public funds between 2017 and 2025. Morais is accused of creating the system, where payments were approved verbally and without proper justification. He personally signed off on reimbursement orders, ensuring full repayment for the expenses.

Officials claim the practice was standard across Portuguese local governments. The council has denied wrongdoing, insisting all working meals complied with legal rules. Morais himself has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and responsible spending. Elisabete Oliveira and other senior staff reportedly followed the same approach from October 2017 until June 2024. Prosecutors argue the funds were meant for official purposes but were instead used for personal benefit or to advantage third parties. If found guilty, the accused could lose their positions and face further penalties.

The case now moves through the legal system, with prosecutors pushing for the removal of Morais and other officials. The council maintains its actions were lawful, but the scale of the alleged misuse—over 1,400 meals—raises questions about oversight. A verdict will determine whether the payments violated public finance rules and what consequences will follow.