CNN Portugal commentator João Marcelino analyses the controversy surrounding the appointment of judges to the Constitutional Court, stressing that judges are technicians, but they are also people who, “when looking at a specific issue, will reflect the nature of their convictions”.
It is not the same thing to have someone nominated by a centre-left party and another by a centre-right party
Tuesday, 24 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.
