The right-wing has approved a new version of the nationality law, with changes agreed upon between the PSD and Chega, in the hope that it will not be rejected again by the Constitutional Court. Analysis by Miguel Morgado, Carlos Guimarães Pinto, and Cristina Rodrigues in the podcast version of Linhas Direitas.
Miguel Morgado: “It is not worth giving me that song and dance: the panel of judges at the Constitutional Court is politically opposed to the parliamentary majority”
Thursday, 2 April 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.
