Rewarding Incompetence

It is quite unbelievable that anybody, especially a supposedly intelligent economist such as Cavaco Silva, might even consider that Pedro Santana Lopes should have his invaluable services to the country recognised by the award of an official honour.

His time as mayor of Figueira da Foz and Lisbon was characterised by public works carried out but not paid for, leaving both cities in a financial mess, then he moved on to be the shortest serving Prime Minister since 1981 years, dismissed because his government was unable to ensure the stability necessary for it to function properly.

Well known for being entitled to a full state pension at 49 since years as a member of parliament count double, his self-interest is beyond doubt, as seen in the last council elections in Lisbon, where he only reluctantly took up his place as an opposition councillor, stating that he would be concentrating on working for Lisbon alongside his professional activities as a lawyer.

All in all, another confirmation that to get on in life competence is far less important than political connections.