The Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS) has accused Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Carlos Abreu Amorim of “burning bridges” during negotiations to appoint new judges to the Constitutional Court (Tribunal Constitucional). The President of the Supreme Court of Justice (Supremo Tribunal de Justiça), João Mariano, described the politicization of these appointments as “extremely harmful” to the judiciary's independence. Residents should note this deadlock affects the body responsible for reviewing the legality of national laws.
Political impasse stalls appointments to the Constitutional Court
Monday, 23 March 2026AI summary
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.
3 sources
- PS accuses Abreu Amorim of “burning all bridges” regarding the Constitutional Court solutionDiário de Notícias ·
- PS accuses Abreu Amorim of 'burning all bridges' regarding the solution for the Constitutional CourtECO ·
- Socialists accuse Abreu Amorim of "burning bridges" regarding the solution for the Constitutional CourtRTP Notícias ·
