The long-awaited corruption trial of former Portuguese Prime Minister José Sócrates began on July 3, 2025, in Lisbon, marking the first time a former Portuguese prime minister faces such charges. Sócrates, who has been awaiting trial since 2014, is accused of 22 crimes including tax fraud, money laundering, and passive corruption, allegedly benefiting from €34 million. The trial, known as Operação Marquês, involves more than 20 other defendants. Sócrates has chosen to defend himself, vehemently denying the accusations and criticizing the Public Prosecutor's Office, even comparing it to Stalinist justice and the Inquisition. During the proceedings, he accused the governments of Costa and Passos Coelho of cowardice related to the TGV project. The Supreme Court rejected his request to disqualify the Attorney General Amadeu Guerra and fined Sócrates €1,000. The trial has featured intense exchanges, including Sócrates’ references to notable Portuguese figures and his sharp defense strategy. The case has been closely followed given its unprecedented nature in Portugal's political and judicial history.