‘Two good reasons’ to be concerned about TAP – president
Speaking to journalists about Groundforce's request for insolvency, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said that there are two good reasons for the Portuguese people to be attentive to the situation of TAP.
Portugal’s president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, on Tuesday, said that there are two good reasons for the Portuguese people to be attentive and permanently concerned with the situation of TAP.
Speaking to journalists about Groundforce’s request for insolvency, De Sousa also said he hoped that the legal issues do not affect the essential, which is the country’s interest.
“All Portuguese people are closely following what is happening in this matter,” he said.
De Sousa recalled that TAP has a strategic position in Portugal, especially in connections with emigrant communities scattered worldwide and with certain markets that have been fundamental for tourism.
In addition, he stressed that there is public money involved.
“There are two good reasons for the Portuguese [people] to be attentive and permanently concerned. We hope that the legal and other issues that may exist do not affect the essential, which is the country’s interest,” he added.
As a creditor, TAP filed for Groundforce’s insolvency with the Lisbon Commercial Court of the Judicial District of Lisbon on Monday.
The airline said that the aim of the case is, if feasible, to safeguard the viability and sustainability of the company, ensuring its operational activity in Portuguese airports.
Groundforce is owned 50.1% by Pasogal and 49.9% by the TAP group, which, in 2020, became 72.5% owned by the Portuguese state and is a minority shareholder and main customer of the company that assists at the airports of Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Funchal and Porto Santo.
