Public prosecutors announce national strike for April 24
The National Union of Public Prosecutors (Sindicato Nacional dos Magistrados do Ministério Público or SMMP) has scheduled a national strike for April 24. The union is demanding that the Superior Council of the Public Prosecution Service (Conselho Superior do Ministério Público) revise the rules for the annual rotation of magistrates to prevent the accumulation of functional areas. The strike notice has been formally submitted to the Ministry of Justice.
The Ministério Público (Public Prosecution Service) is Portugal's independent state prosecution body, responsible for leading criminal investigations, bringing charges, and representing the public interest in court.
The MP operates autonomously from the government and the police, though it directs criminal investigations carried out by the Polícia Judiciária, PSP, and GNR. It is led by the Procurador-Geral da República (Attorney General), who is appointed by the President on the government's proposal.
The MP gets involved in high-profile cases including corruption, financial crime, and incidents of potential institutional negligence. It also defends the legality of government actions and protects citizens' fundamental rights through the courts.
The SMMP (Sindicato dos Magistrados do Ministério Público) is the national union representing public prosecutors in Portugal. It advocates for the professional interests of its members and frequently engages in industrial action to negotiate working conditions and staffing levels within the judicial system.
