The prosecutor opened an investigation to ascertain the legality of the use of the Lajes Base by the United States following a complaint from the Left Block. The theme was again on the table during the visit of the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to our country and, a day later, with Louis Montenegro in the Assembly of the Republic. What was said?
© Kurt Mendonça / Facebook / Wings of the Azores
12/10/2026
by
News to Minute, Lusa
O Public Prosecutor (MP) opened an investigation to ascertain the legality of U.S. use of the Lajes Base following a complaint from the Left Block (BE) – with the theme of the Azorean base to ‘valer’ comments by Amnesty International, but also the Secretary of State Marco Rubio (who was in Lisbon last week) and Prime Minister Luís Montenegro. What is the issue and what has been said?
Last October 2nd, remember, the Attorney General's Office (PGR) confirmed the inquiry in response to Lusa, indicating that it was “installed following a complaint lodged by members of the Left Block”.
BE’s complaint was filed in April and asked the RMP for to determine whether the use of the Lajes Base by the United States of America has complied with the law, insisting at the same time to represent “gross violation of international law“.
At the time of the complaint, BE coordinator José Manuel Pureza insisted that “or the Government is in agreement with the gross violation of international law and Portuguese law”, or “has no political backbone” to “failure from illegality”.
In turn, and the day before Rubio moved to Portugal, the Amnesty International asked the Government to take a position on the use of the Base das Lajes: “We cannot wait any longer. The time has come for the Portuguese authorities to clearly tell the administration [of American President Donald] Trump that the Lajes Base cannot be used for war crimes“, said Amnesty International’s executive director in Portugal, João Godinho Martins, in a statement sent to the essays.
And last Thursday, the day the US Secretary of State was in our country, the ‘theme Lajes’ was again on the table. In Lisbon, Marco Rubio said that the use of the base in the Azores by US military forces follows “the protocols” – still praising Portugal as “a great ally”.
“ We followed the protocols. We have protocols that define our presence and always respect them”, said the head of U.S. diplomacy at a press conference with the Portuguese counterpart, Paulo Rangel, after a meeting at the Palace of Needs.
Marco Rubio also stressed: “ We would never violate the sovereignty of any country. We don't violate sovereignty. This is not how allies behave.”.
For his part, the Portuguese Foreign Minister was asked whether he discussed the future of the Base das Lajes with his US counterpart, something that denied, referring the matter to the permanent bilateral commission between Portugal and the USA.
Finally, a day later, on Friday, it was Louis Montenegro's turn to comment on the issue, particularly in the debate at the Assembly of the Republic. The Prime Minister expressed the conviction “absolutely unwavering” that the use of the Lajes Base by the United States has fulfilled all legal rules, admitting that everyone can make other political judgments, except the judiciary.
“ Obviously, what political judgments on decisions everyone can make, with the exception of the judiciary. This one should not take political decisions. As far as the observance of legality is concerned, I am very calm“, said Luís Montenegro, in response to a question from the PCP Member Paula Santos during the preparatory debate of the European Council.
The MEP questioned the Prime Minister about his meeting with Marco Rubio on Thursday, accusing Portugal of “be complicit” in the attack by the United States and Israel on Iran to “allow the use of the Lajes Base”.
“ I am very reassured that all the legal rules applicable to the implementation of the terms of the Lajes Base Use Agreement”, answered the Head of Government.
According to Montenegro, the Executive made “a very careful monitoring of compliance with and safeguarding those rules”. “Of course, respecting the investigation procedures that may be under way, i have an absolutely unshakable and full conviction that there will be no legal disrespect for what was our responsibility“, he said.
Recalling that the United States and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran on 28 February, which is retaliating with bombing targets in Israeli territory and in countries where there are American interests, such as military bases and other infrastructure, particularly in the Gulf countries.