Minister of National Defence Nuno Melo has questioned the constitutionality of two bills recently approved by the PS and Chega. The legislation aims to strengthen parliamentary powers in defence matters and create a voluntary military reserve, which Melo argues encroaches upon executive authority.
Defence minister challenges constitutionality of new parliamentary bills
Tuesday, 12 May 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
Nuno Melo is the leader of CDS-PP (Centro Democrático e Social – Partido Popular), a Christian democratic party on Portugal’s centre-right, and Minister of National Defence in Luís Montenegro’s government, where CDS-PP governs in coalition with the PSD. He was previously a Member of the European Parliament.
5 sources
- Nuno Melo questions the constitutionality of PS and Chega bills in the Defence sectorexpresso.pt ·
- Melo questions the constitutionality of laws from PS and Chegaobservador.pt ·
- Defence minister against idea of European Armyportugalresident.com ·
- Melo considers agreement between PS and Chega on defence 'serious'. 'I am not sure if it is not on the verge of unconstitutionality'eco.sapo.pt ·
- Nuno Melo questions the constitutionality of measures approved by PS and Chega regarding Defencepublico.pt ·
