The Constitutional Court said on Tuesday that it did not admit the presidential election candidacies of Joana Amaral Dias, Ricardo Sousa and José Cardoso after they failed to correct identified irregularities within the stipulated deadline.
Seguro criticises bulletin naming candidates excluded by the Constitutional Court and says he may challenge it
Sunday, 28 December 2025RSS
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.
