The president of the Constitutional Court (Tribunal Constitucional), José João Abrantes, has announced his resignation for personal and institutional reasons. André Ventura, leader of the Chega party, has alleged that the resignation stems from pressure by the Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS) and is calling for an immediate election of new judges.
Constitutional Court president resigns amid political pressure
Tuesday, 12 May 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.
André Ventura, born January 15, 1983, is a lawyer, academic, and Portugal's most prominent far-right leader. He founded Chega ("Enough") in 2019 after his PSD mayoral campaign attacked the Romani community. Chega surged from 1.3% in 2019 to 22.8% in May 2025, becoming parliament's second-largest party and making Ventura Leader of the Opposition.
His platform emphasizes immigration restrictions, law-and-order policies, constitutional reform, and contains inflammatory anti-Romani rhetoric that has triggered multiple discrimination convictions and investigations. Politically classified as far-right by international media, Ventura cultivates alliances with European far-right figures including Marine Le Pen and Santiago Abascal.
4 sources
- Resignation of the Constitutional Court president 'must have to do with some pressure from the PS'cnnportugal.iol.pt ·
- André Ventura wants to start the process of electing Constitutional Court judges "immediately"dn.pt ·
- Constitutional Court president announces resignationportugalresident.com ·
- Chega suggests Constitutional Court president will resign due to PS pressure and wants quick electioneco.sapo.pt ·
