The Speaker of Parliament (Presidente da Assembleia da República), José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, has admitted a bill from the Chega party that proposes raising the maximum prison sentence from 25 to 40 years. While allowing the bill to proceed, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco noted potential constitutional problems that require strict scrutiny by parliamentary committees. Separately, a report concluded that Socialist deputy Eva Cruzeiro breached her duties by calling Chega members racists during a session, though no legal sanction is possible.
Parliament Speaker admits Chega bill to increase maximum prison sentences
Friday, 20 March 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
José Pedro Aguiar‑Branco is the President of the Assembly of the Republic, who in this story requested that the Committee on Constitutional Affairs examine the constitutional conformity of government measures in a proposed bill. He is using his parliamentary role to trigger a formal review of changes affecting confession rules and the rights of the defence.
Sources (6)
- Aguiar-Branco admits Chega bill to increase sentences but with constitutional reservationsRTP Notícias · 10:02pm, 20 Mar 2026
- Aguiar-Branco admits Chega's bill to increase sentences, but with reservationsPúblico · 6:37pm, 20 Mar 2026
- Parliament 'censures' Socialist Eva Cruzeiro for calling Chega deputies racistsECO · 8:30pm, 20 Mar 2026
- Parliament concludes that Eva Cruzeiro breached "fundamental duties" by calling Chega deputies racistsCNN Portugal · 8:13pm, 20 Mar 2026
- Parliament concludes that Eva Cruzeiro (PS) breached duties by calling Chega deputies racistsCorreio da Manhã · 8:33pm, 20 Mar 2026
- The 1982 gentlemen's agreement that Chega is shakingObservador · 6:59pm, 20 Mar 2026
