The deadlock in the elections for the Constitutional Court (TC) threatens to break relations between the PSD and PS if the socialist proposal for the appointment of one of the three seats to be designated by the Assembly of the Republic for the Palácio de Ratton is rejected. The consequences will be inevitable, and even the approval of the State Budget (OE) for...
Constitutional Court election breaks the central bloc. 'Budget is not a bargaining chip, but there will be consequences'
Friday, 20 March 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
The Constitutional Court (Tribunal Constitucional) is Portugal's highest court for constitutional review. Its primary role is to assess whether laws, decrees, and government actions comply with the Portuguese Constitution, and it has the power to strike down or suspend unconstitutional measures.
The court consists of 13 judges — 10 appointed by the Assembly of the Republic and 3 co-opted by the other judges. It also oversees the legality of political parties and their finances, verifies election results, and rules on the constitutionality of referendums.
The Constitutional Court is frequently in the news when opposition parties, the President, or the Ombudsman refer controversial legislation for review — such as labor reforms, housing laws, or immigration policy changes. Its rulings are final and binding.
