A deal between the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD) and Chega, with potential support from the Liberal Initiative (Iniciativa Liberal or IL), appears to have broken the deadlock over appointing Constitutional Court (Tribunal Constitucional) judges. The breakthrough follows pressure from the President's office to ensure the Council of State (Conselho de Estado) can meet with a full membership on April 17. Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS) members, including Ana Catarina Mendes, have criticized the arrangement, arguing that Chega should not have a seat on a body dedicated to upholding the Constitution.
Political deadlock breaks for Constitutional Court judge appointments
Thursday, 26 March 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The Constitutional Court (Tribunal Constitucional) is Portugal's highest court for constitutional review, responsible for checking whether laws and statutes comply with the Constitution and for annulling or suspending unconstitutional measures. FNAM's push for a review matters because the court can strike down or block parts of the regional emergency services statute, directly affecting how emergency care is regulated.
The Council of State (Conselho de Estado) is the President's primary advisory body, composed of senior political figures including the Prime Minister and former presidents. It provides non-binding opinions on major issues such as dissolving parliament or declaring a state of emergency. Residents should note that the council acts as a stabilizing force during periods of political deadlock or institutional tension.
Ana Catarina Mendes is a Member of the European Parliament and a senior figure in the Socialist Party (Partido Socialista). She previously served as the Minister in the Presidency from 2022 to 2024, where she managed government coordination and parliamentary relations. Those following national politics should note her role in mediating high-level agreements between the country's major political parties.
Sources (6)
- “Friendly pressure” from Belém helps reach consensus on the Constitutional CourtDiário de Notícias · 12:19am, 26 Mar 2026
- Ana Catarina Mendes says PSD can still build a majority "with the democratic spectrum" for the Constitutional CourtCorreio da Manhã · 7:46pm, 25 Mar 2026
- IL joins PSD and Chega at the Constitutional Court. Will it be enough?Público · 12:40am, 26 Mar 2026
- PS divided over how far to break with the PSDObservador · 10:46pm, 25 Mar 2026
- Constitutional Court judges. "The focus should be on the PSD, it is the PSD that chooses with whom it wants to form a two-thirds majority"CNN Portugal · 9:54pm, 25 Mar 2026
- Three PSD deputies distance themselves from Chega's gender identity bill, despite having voted in favourExpresso · 8:20pm, 25 Mar 2026
