So while the audit investigates that and other contracts, what of Oscar Mira? He's on an enforced leave of absence, a state of executive limbo well known to Minister Andre Perez. He was placed on an 8 month leave of absence in 2023 when an allegation of sexual harassment emerged against him.
Now that his colleague is on the Cabinet sideline, does he have advice for Mira on how to while away those months in the political wilderness? He told us that he won't answer because his interactions with Mira are personal.
Andre Perez - Minister of the Blue Economy
"Listen, I do not want to answer if the circumstances are similar. The only thing that is similar is that there is a leave of absence, but I want to clarify, you know, I don't want to say if it is similar or it is different. It is a leave of absence and I respect that, and from a decision of the Prime Minister, I leave it at that."
Reporter
"Have you reached out to him however? And what advice would you have given him in a time like this where you are in political limbo?"
Andre Perez - Minister of the Blue Economy
"You know, he is my colleague and yes, I reached out to him, but that is personal. That is very personal and I will not discuss that in public. That is not here for me to answer publicly. And he is a colleague and friend."
