The PS refuses to be left out of the election for the Constitutional Court and threatens to break off all negotiations with the AD. In Expresso da Manhã, Paulo Baldaia speaks with political journalists João Pedro Henriques and Paula Caeiro Varela.
Election for the Constitutional Court may fulfil Passos' wish, with the PS forcing a right-wing majority between AD, Chega and IL
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.
