Latest news and stories about constitutional reform in Portugal for expats and residents.
São José Almeida analyzes the political dilemma facing the PSD regarding whether to pursue a constitutional consensus with the PS or align with the radical right-wing populism of Chega.
The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Carlos Abreu Amorim, stated that while a constitutional revision is natural, it should only occur at the end of the legislative term to avoid distracting the government from its reform agenda. Speaking at an International Club of Portugal event, he noted that the Constitution is a 'living document' but warned that revising it in a parliament with ten political forces would be a 'cyclopean task'. He also cautioned against using constitutional debate as a pretext for inaction, while acknowledging that different parties hold conflicting views on the scope of potential changes.
The PSD's 2023 proposal remains valid and provides for free daycare as a constitutional right and a longer window for political crises. Chega will submit a project by April, but the PSD will only align later.
Reflecting on Aristotle's Athenian Constitutions reveals that the balance between institutional mediation, the application of laws, and common sense is essential for safeguarding a community. The text argues that understanding history and preserving heritage are vital, warning against the ignorance of the past. Citing the American Constitution and Alexander Hamilton, it highlights the dangers of demagoguery and the importance of the rule of law over the arbitrary rule of men. It discusses the evolution of Athenian institutions and the need for gradual, consensual reform. The author agrees with the President of the Republic that social cohesion and tolerance are necessary for a Constitution to endure, advocating for a 'material Constitution' that acts as a living reality rather than a rigid system. Ultimately, it calls for rational, informed debate on constitutional reform, noting that the Portuguese public views the Constitution as a factor of unity rather than division.
The author criticises André Ventura for his recent speech marking the 50th anniversary of the Portuguese Constitution, accusing him of selectively highlighting left-wing terrorism while ignoring right-wing crimes. The text argues that Ventura's push for constitutional revision, including the potential reintroduction of life imprisonment, represents a regressive shift towards 19th-century politics. Furthermore, the author warns that a right-wing parliamentary majority could use constitutional reform to weaken labour rights, social security, public healthcare, and the right to strike, ultimately undermining the social protections established since the 1974 revolution.
The right wants a revision, the left is against it, and the PSD is ignoring it for now: does Ventura want to be taken seriously with another incident, this time during the 50th anniversary of the Constitution? Also, the Saramago case and the new director of the PJ.
The former PSD leader distances himself from Chega and IL, considering that a revision of the Fundamental Law would fuel a political battle that is “sterile, perhaps populist and radical.” Even so, he admits that minor adjustments could be made.
BE, PCP, and Livre are firmly against essential changes to the Constitution. CDS wants to improve the text, and IL also argues that the Constitution should be updated.
A constitutional revision process, if it happens, will only serve to fuel a sterile political battle, perhaps populist and radical. Opinion by Luís Marques Mendes
Luís Garcia argues that the Azores must “have their homework done” before any constitutional revision. The Constitution turns 50 on April 2nd.
A study by IPPS-ISCTE reveals that half of the respondents identify with the democratic Constitution – which marks its 50th anniversary next Thursday – but the majority want a revision of the Fundamental Law, though without any rupture.
Socialist Party MP recalls that democracy was built on consensus between the socialists and the PSD, in a context where the amendment of the Constitution is being discussed.
The leader of Chega argued in Santarém that “if everything is unconstitutional, then it is the Constitution that is wrong”.
Ventura argued that the appointment of the Attorney General (PGR) should be made “within the ranks of the Public Prosecutor's Office”, but Chega's 2022 constitutional revision proposal advocated appointment by the President of the Republic (PR).
Bruno Fialho's party will only vote on the proposal to offer support next week, but nonetheless sets red lines for the constitutional revision. It is the first time another party has backed Ventura.
Jorge Pinto warns that rewriting the constitution with only right-wing and far-right forces could amount to a coup and seriously undermine democratic institutions.
