Oeiras, Portugal – The mayor of Oeiras, Isaltino Morais and 22 other municipal officials have been formally accused of embezzlement and abuse of power, stemming from allegations of misusing public funds for meals over a seven-year period. The accusations, announced Tuesday, March 24, 2026, center around approximately €150,000 ($162,000 USD) spent on 1,441 meals between 2017 and 2024, according to reports from CNN Portugal.
Prosecutors allege that Morais “formulated a plan to misappropriate money belonging to the public treasury,” extending benefits to other members of the local government, including councilors, the assembly president, and municipal directors and department heads. The Public Prosecutor’s Office is seeking a €70,000 ($75,600 USD) fine from Morais personally, and an additional €79,000 ($85,200 USD) jointly from all 22 defendants.
The investigation, conducted by the Public Security Police’s corruption unit, revealed instances of multiple meals charged on the same day, weekend lunches, and bills exceeding €900 ($972 USD) that included seafood, alcohol, digestifs, and even tobacco – all paid for with municipal funds. The charges detail what prosecutors describe as a “flagrant misuse” and “serious violation of duties.”
In addition to financial penalties, prosecutors are requesting the disqualification of Morais and all other implicated officials from holding public office. This request could have wider political ramifications, as Joana Batista, a current councilor in Lisbon under Mayor Carlos Moedas, is among those accused. According to CM Jornal, Batista allegedly received around €19,000 ($20,500 USD) in meal reimbursements while working in Oeiras between 2018 and 2023. A conviction could lead to her losing her position in Lisbon, potentially creating challenges for Moedas’ administration.
The accused maintain that the expenses were legitimate, representing costs for work meetings. However, the Public Prosecutor’s Office contends that the evidence points to a pattern of improper fund usage. ECO reports that the charges include accusations of peculate and abuse of power.
The municipality of Oeiras has released a statement offering clarification, though details remain limited.
The case underscores the ongoing scrutiny of public spending and accountability within Portuguese local governments.
