The government wants authorities to be “demanding, firm and inflexible” and has therefore decided to move forward with the return of the Traffic Brigades nearly 20 years later. The measure is applauded by the GNR and the ACP, but raises some doubts among those who have previously held the portfolio of Luís Neves.
The last year of the GNR Traffic Brigade saw the highest number of deaths in 20 years. The idea is back, met with both doubts and applause
Thursday, 16 April 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
The GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana) is Portugal's national gendarmerie—a military police force founded in 1911, with origins dating to 1801. With over 22,600 personnel, GNR patrols 94-96% of Portuguese territory, covering rural areas, medium towns, and highways. Members are military personnel subject to military law, responsible for public order, customs, coastal control, environmental protection (SEPNA), firefighting/rescue (GIPS), border control, and ceremonial guards. GNR vs. PSP: The PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública) is Portugal's civilian police force, covering major cities (Lisbon, Porto, Faro) and large urban areas—only 4% of territory but roughly half the population. PSP handles airport security, diplomatic protection, and private security regulation. Both share core missions (public order, crime prevention), but differ in nature: GNR is military with military training; PSP is civilian with police-focused training.
