Outside the courtroom, approximately 2,000 victims of the bank's practices protested, demanding 330 million euros in compensation for their losses.

The highly anticipated trial of Ricardo Salgado, the former president of Banco Espírito Santo (BES), is set to commence, marking a significant moment over a decade after the bank's collapse in August 2014.

Salgado faces 62 charges, including corruption, fraud, and money laundering, as part of the Universo Espírito Santo case, which involves 18 defendants and over 300 alleged crimes, making it one of the largest legal processes in Portuguese history.

The prosecution aims to demonstrate that the defendants committed the alleged crimes, while the defense contends that their actions were mismanagement rather than criminal behavior.

Judge Susano ruled that the criminal proceedings against Salgado must continue, irrespective of expert conclusions regarding his mental health capacity.

Salgado's defense team has argued that his ongoing health issues could lead to Portugal being condemned by the European Court of Human Rights if not properly addressed.

The trial will be closely monitored, with no photographs or videos allowed, relying on journalists' reports from designated areas at the Justice Campus.

The urgent need for provisional reparations for victims has been highlighted, as many continue to struggle financially in the aftermath of the crisis.

Despite Salgado's health issues, the presiding judge, Helena Susano, emphasized the necessity of holding him accountable for his actions, citing the importance of social pacification and public interest.

The association defending banking clients, ABESD, criticized the judicial system for failing to implement protective measures for victims a decade after the financial collapse.

Salgado's previous claim that 'money is amoral' is now viewed as a critical misjudgment, contributing to his current loss of dignity as he faces trial.

Despite the historical damage caused by the collapse, there are indications of a more transparent and healthier financial system emerging in Portugal today.