"I believe it is an exercise in freedom, but I do not believe that anything new will come of it, no change will come from this manifesto that is essential to justice. Justice needs to be thought about, it is necessary to do so, I do not believe that this manifesto adds much to that intention", he defended.

Rui Rocha was speaking to journalists during a visit to the Portugal Real Estate Fair, which runs until Sunday at FIL, in Lisbon, and was asked about the manifesto signed by 50 personalities from various quadrants in defense of a "civic shock" that ends the "worrying inertia" of political agents regarding the reform of Justice, in an appeal to the President, Government and Parliament.

"I do not believe that it is the contribution of this manifesto that will bring about any special change in the matter of justice. The problems of justice are others, they have to do with its own organization, especially also with the means and with measures, with measures directed in the area of administrative justice and criminal justice, which allow for greater speed in the processes", he defended, indicating that the IL has "concrete proposals" in these areas.

Rui Rocha defended that it is not "by constantly attacking justice and raising questions about justice" that the "necessary context for a proper discussion" is created.

The liberal said he was available "to discuss with everyone and to listen to everyone on this matter", but stressed that "discussing justice in the context of concrete facts, of concrete cases, has never been good politics".

"Broader reflections on justice always seem opportune to me, made with the necessary tranquility, with the necessary good faith. We will do our part in parliament, bringing concrete measures in this direction", he indicated.

Asked if he considers this manifesto an attack on justice, the leader of the IL refused, indicating that it is "an exercise of the freedom of natural expression, desirable".

"Citizens must organize themselves and share their ideas, but when I see Ferro Rodrigues as a subscriber, for example, I do not get the idea that these are contributions that will be decisive in the evolution that we want for justice", he defended.

Rui Rocha also stated that it could be a form of pressure on political power, but said he had "doubts whether this pressure brings anything useful".

"Sometimes there is talk of the need for justice pacts, I have nothing against justice pacts, what I hope is that this desire for justice pacts is not also a subterfuge to paralyze the discussion", he indicated. 

Read Also: 'War' of public accounts? "There seems to be a lack of solutions on both sides" (Portuguese version)