PSD vice-president Leonor Beleza stated that the Social Democrats are open to dialogue with the PS and that her party “never forgets” the socialists, but she requested discretion in the negotiations for positions at the Constitutional Court (TC). These criticisms are in line with the CDS and the Liberal Initiative.
The PS has some difficulty seeing itself as an opposition party
Sunday, 29 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.
