The president of the Republic, Luis Lacalle Pouruled this Thursday on the accusations of sexual exploitation or pedophilia faced by the senator of the National Party, Gustavo Penades. During a press conference, the president spoke about various current issues, including this delicate issue that has generated great controversy in public opinion.
Known from Penadés for more than three decades, Lacalle Pou was questioned about his opinion in relation to the complaints filed against the legislator. In this regard, the president declared that he did not know the person who accused him in the first place, referring to Romina Celeste Papasso, who was a militant in the Penadés party.
“The first complaint, to the person who denounced it, I do not know. I don’t have a deal”, she stated in a clear allusion to the nationalist militant, Romina Celeste Papasso Oliver, the first to speak publicly of Penadés as the one who allegedly abused her as a minor.
defending an old friend
“I ask you: if a friend from 30 years ago comes to me and tells me that he hasn’t done anything, who would you believe? If you look me in the eye and say ‘it wasn’t me’, wouldn’t you trust a friend like that? I would be a bad friend if I didn’t believe him”, stated Lacalle Pou in his speech.
However, the president stressed that the senator is subject to the ruling of the Justice and that, in the event that the sentence is unfavorable, there will be “personal” consequences for him. “I cannot advance any conclusion until Justice rules on this issue,” he concluded.
