Fernando Medina, a member of the PS party and former Minister of Finance, has been constituted as an arguido in the 'Tutti Frutti' investigation due to allegations of prevarication during his tenure as President of the Lisbon City Council.

The investigation centers on an alleged improper financial grant of 200,000 euros to the XV - Associação Amigos do Rugby de Belém, which Medina approved on March 23, 2017.

The 'Tutti Frutti' operation, ongoing since 2018, examines claims of favoritism towards members of the PS and PSD parties through public contracts, alongside serious allegations of passive corruption and influence peddling.

Medina has expressed his confusion over the Public Ministry's decision to finally hear him after seven years, stating he has always been available to provide statements.

He firmly denies any wrongdoing, characterizing the Public Ministry's claims as based on a significant legal error.

Medina announced his status as an arguido following a communication from the Assembly of the Republic regarding the Public Prosecutor's request for his hearing.

He revealed that the investigation pertains to allegations of prevarication during his time as Mayor of Lisbon.

The inquiry includes serious allegations such as passive corruption, influence trafficking, economic participation in business, and illegal financing.

Medina argues that the legal framework does not permit a mayor to unilaterally grant support to clubs, as such powers are reserved for the municipal executive body.

This development comes six years after searches were conducted at his office in the Lisbon City Hall.

Medina has expressed disbelief over being named as a defendant in the 'Tutti Frutti' operation.

He lamented that the Public Ministry did not consider it relevant to hear him until now.