The trial of Ricardo Salgado, the former president of Banco Espirito Santo (BES), is set to begin, with Salgado facing 62 charges including corruption, fraud, and money laundering.

Concerns about Salgado's cognitive ability to participate meaningfully in the trial were raised, given his clinical condition.

Ricciardi confronted Salgado regarding the need for solidarity concerning the falsification of accounts, to which Salgado agreed.

Ten years post-collapse, the association defending banking clients criticized the judicial system for its lack of protective measures for victims.

The proceedings are part of the Universo Espírito Santo case, which unfolds over a decade after the collapse of the Espirito Santo Group in August 2014.

During the trial, José Maria Ricciardi, a key witness and former president of BESI, testified that Salgado wielded unchecked power, leaving other shareholders unaware of the bank's dire situation.

The presiding judge emphasized that the right to a defense does not depend on the accused's presence or willingness to make statements.

This significant case involves 18 defendants and more than 300 crimes, marking it as one of the largest legal processes in Portuguese history.

Despite the reputational damage from the scandal, Salgado attempted to maintain his position as president, projecting a false image of the bank's stability.

The playback of Salgado's interrogation was interrupted after less than an hour, with plans to continue the testimony on a later date.

Ricciardi also criticized the former governor of the Bank of Portugal, Carlos Costa, for dismissing his concerns about Salgado's management.

Outside the court, several victims of the BES scandal gathered, with calls for justice while acknowledging Salgado's health issues.