Luís Neves took office on 23 February as Minister of Internal Administration, succeeding Maria Lúcia Amaral, and said he will consider “all positive proposals” brought to the ministry. Neves left the Polícia Judiciária (PJ) shortly before finishing a third term as its national director; he defended his record and stressed cooperation across security forces. Those in Portugal who follow policing or public-safety policy should note the new minister's background as it may shape enforcement and reform priorities.
Luís Neves sworn in as Interior Minister
Monday, 23 February 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
Luís Neves will take office on Monday as Minister of Internal Administration. He graduated in law and has worked at the Judicial Police since 1995, where he served as coordinator of a national unit and developed a long career in criminal investigation.
The PJ (Polícia Judiciária) is Portugal's national criminal investigation police agency, founded in 1945. Operating under the Ministry of Justice and supervised by the Public Ministry (prosecutors), the PJ is a "higher criminal police body" specializing in serious and complex crimes. Mission: The PJ assists judicial and prosecuting authorities by investigating terrorism, organized crime, homicide, kidnapping, drug trafficking, corruption, cybercrime, financial crime, and money laundering. It conducts forensic examinations, operates Portugal's Interpol and Europol liaison offices, and maintains specialized units including the National Counterterrorism Unit and National Anti-Corruption Unit. Difference from PSP/GNR: While PSP (civilian urban police) and GNR (military rural police) focus on preventive policing, public order, and investigating minor crimes, the PJ exclusively handles serious crime investigation requiring specialized technical and scientific expertise. PSP and GNR report to the Ministry of Internal Affairs; PJ reports to the Ministry of Justice. PJ officers receive higher pay and prestige but face greater operational risk.
Maria Lúcia Amaral is Portugal's Interior Minister, who announced that violent and serious crimes fell 2.6% between January and November 2025 while overall crime rose 2.1% over the same period. As Interior Minister she is responsible for public security policy and oversight of the police and civil protection services.
The Interior refers to Portugal’s inland and rural regions outside major metro areas like Lisbon and Porto, typically with lower population density and cheaper housing. Recent reports show growing demand for homes in the Interior as some buyers seek lower costs and quieter locations, which matters if you’re house‑hunting or considering moving away from the big cities.
3 sources
- Luís Neves takes office as Minister of Internal AdministrationCNN Portugal ·
- Luís Neves takes office as Minister of Internal Administration "without reservations": "The national director of the PJ does not investigate anyone"Dinheiro Vivo ·
- Luís Neves sworn in as Minister of Internal Administration: no "reservations" for coming from the PJPúblico ·
