Portugal, Spain, and Morocco have signed a memorandum of understanding in Rabat to streamline judicial cooperation for the 2030 World Cup. The agreement, signed by Portuguese Justice Minister Rita Alarcão Júdice, aims to ensure the immediate resolution of potential incidents and commercial disputes during the tournament.

The Portuguese Parliament has approved a new Penal Code amendment that allows judges to strip acquired nationality as an accessory penalty for certain crimes, including drug and arms trafficking. The measure passed with support from the PSD, Chega, IL, and CDS-PP, though the Socialist Party (PS) is currently evaluating whether to request a review by the Constitutional Court. Critics argue the law retains significant legal issues previously identified by the court, while supporters describe the agreement as a positive step.

A coalition of over 80 organizations and 23,000 citizens has submitted a legislative initiative (iniciativa legislativa) to the Assembly of the Republic (Assembleia da República). The proposal aims to close legal loopholes by criminalizing all forms of discriminatory practice and racism. Supporters argue that current laws are ineffective at ensuring equality and justice for marginalized groups.

A new government proposal aims to reform inheritance laws by strengthening the power of testators to define how their assets are divided among heirs. The change would allow individuals to specify which specific properties or assets go to which heirs within the legitimate portion (legítima), a restriction that currently limits estate planning. Property owners should note that the reform also seeks to reduce the number of undivided inheritances (heranças indivisas) that often lead to legal deadlocks.

Chega leader André Ventura committed to starting a constitutional review (revisão constitucional) in parliament before the end of the year. The proposed changes include increasing penalties for serious crimes and removing references to socialism from the national constitution. Residents should note that any revision requires a two-thirds majority, necessitating a broad agreement between political parties.

The government approved reforms to succession law to prevent properties from being stuck in undivided inheritances (heranças indivisas). Under the new rules, a single heir can initiate a sale after a two-year deadlock, and the deadline to accept an inheritance will drop from ten years to two. Property owners and heirs should note these changes aim to increase housing supply by resolving long-standing family disputes.

The Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD), Chega, and the CDS-PP have agreed to change rules regarding gender identity in the civil registry (registo civil). The new measures require medical validation for adults to change their legal name or gender and ban hormonal therapies for minors. The proposals now move to the committee stage for further discussion.

The Speaker of Parliament (Presidente da Assembleia da República), José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, has admitted a bill from the Chega party that proposes raising the maximum prison sentence from 25 to 40 years. While allowing the bill to proceed, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco noted potential constitutional problems that require strict scrutiny by parliamentary committees. Separately, a report concluded that Socialist deputy Eva Cruzeiro breached her duties by calling Chega members racists during a session, though no legal sanction is possible.

The Order of Psychologists (Ordem dos Psicólogos) has labeled recent changes to the gender identity law a scientific setback because they require medical validation for changing name and gender in the civil registry (registo civil). In response, the Bloco de Esquerda (BE) asked the United Nations to investigate potential human rights violations resulting from the legislation supported by the right-wing majority. Those following civil rights legislation should note that the BE argues the law restricts the fundamental right to self-determination.

The President of the Assembly of the Republic signals “constitutional problems” in Chega's bill to increase the maximum limit of the joint prison sentence from 25 to 40 years.

The Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados or OA) has changed how court-appointed lawyers (advogados oficiosos) are selected for high-complexity trials. The General Council will now handle these appointments directly, replacing the previous system of random draws by regional councils. This change follows delays in the Operation Marquis (Operação Marquês) case involving former Prime Minister José Sócrates, where frequent lawyer changes have slowed judicial proceedings.

The Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD) proposed a law to suspend the statute of limitations (prazos de prescrição) when a defendant changes lawyers. The move aims to prevent “dilatory maneuvers” used to delay trials, citing the long-running case of former Prime Minister José Sócrates as an example. Those following the legal system should note the proposal targets the “carousel” of lawyer resignations that can lead to cases expiring.

The government is preparing changes to housing policy that would allow one heir to force the sale of an inherited property even if others disagree. The plan also includes measures to accelerate evictions for non-compliance to encourage more owners to put houses on the rental market. While the government is ending the previous policy of forced leasing (arrendamento forçado), critics argue the new “forced selling” measure is equally controversial. Property owners and heirs should be aware of these upcoming legal shifts.

The President of the Court of Auditors (Tribunal de Contas) has called for a rigorous debate over government plans to reform the institution. A major point of contention is the proposed end of prior approval (visto prévio) for certain public contracts, which critics say is essential for financial sustainability. Former officials warn that weakening the court's oversight could undermine the state's ability to analyze complex private-sector contracts. Residents should note that these changes aim to speed up public procurement but face significant institutional pushback.

A parliamentary committee has approved expanding the right to be forgotten (direito ao esquecimento) to include patients with diabetes, HIV, cancer, and hepatitis C. The law ensures that individuals who have recovered or are managing these conditions face the same conditions as others when applying for bank credit or insurance. The proposal, originally from the Socialist Party (Partido Socialista), aims to end discrimination in financial services based on medical history. Those with chronic conditions should note that these changes will take effect once the final law is published.

The Portuguese Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados) is calling for the creation of a specialized court to handle the massive backlog of immigration-related lawsuits. João Massano, head of the Lisbon Regional Council, estimated that there are currently 200,000 cases pending in administrative courts against the Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA). Visa holders and those awaiting residency should note that the proposal aims to speed up judicial decisions through mediation and specialized judges.

The PSD submitted a bill to reintroduce medical validation for legal gender and name changes in the civil registry (registo civil), reversing a procedure that had removed mandatory medical checks; however, MP Bruno Vitorino has already asked that the proposal be withdrawn amid internal party opposition. If the bill proceeds it would affect the legal process for trans people and those seeking name changes; watch parliamentary debates and civil-registry guidance for any procedural shifts.

Update: Debate set for March 19; minors would be excluded

Parliament has scheduled debate on the proposal for 19 March. The draft would end the current option for 16- to 18-year-olds to change name and gender with parental authorisation and would require medical and psychological reports, while allowing exceptions for intersex people; the bill follows an earlier, stricter proposal from Chega and has drawn criticism from experts and dissent within the PSD.

A proposed change to the Code of Criminal Procedure would allow judges to order financial sanctions on lawyers whose actions are judged 'manifestly unfounded', with fines ranging from €204 to €10,200 and a 50% surcharge if unpaid after ten days. Critics say the measure could limit access to justice by deterring lawyers from representing clients in difficult cases and could impose unaffordable costs on defendants. The debate highlights tensions between procedural discipline and legal defence rights under the reform. Those involved in criminal cases should follow developments and consult legal counsel about potential impacts.

Correio da Manhã reports a real-estate businessman has been charged with 52 counts of qualified fraud, an allegation known in Portuguese as burla qualificada. The case is under criminal investigation and may affect buyers and partners connected to the developments involved. Those with ongoing transactions or contracts linked to the suspect should seek legal advice and monitor court filings for updates.

Correio da Manhã reports that elderly women were slapped at an unlicensed care home in Maia, prompting police attention and public concern. The facility is described as operating without proper licensing; social services or criminal investigators may become involved as the case progresses. Relatives and those seeking private care should verify licences and report suspected abuse to local authorities.

Update: Owner faces trial for elderly mistreatment

Correio da Manhã now reports the owner of the illegal Maia care home has been brought before the courts on charges of mistreating residents. The case moves from investigation to prosecution and may lead to criminal hearings; families of residents and prospective private‑care clients should monitor legal outcomes but do not need new immediate action beyond verifying licences.

Testimonies collected from immigrants will form the basis of legal action against Portugal at the European Court of Human Rights (Tribunal Europeu dos Direitos Humanos), the lawyer coordinating the effort told Lusa and Público. The campaign, led publicly by Brazilian lawyer Amanda Abreu, accuses Portugal of failing to follow its own laws and blocking access to proper documentation; organisers say they will move forward with the case within weeks. This could prompt scrutiny of document access and administrative procedures for migrants; those awaiting residency papers or who work with migrant support groups should monitor developments and legal guidance.

Correio da Manhã reports the final two GNR officers involved in assaults on immigrants in Odemira have been sent to prison, completing criminal custody steps in the case. The decision follows investigations into the incidents and will be followed by legal appeals and local community reactions; immigrant-rights groups and local residents should watch for court scheduling and any municipal responses. Those living in affected areas should follow local legal updates and support channels.

Update: Final two officers jailed, case completes custody steps

Correio da Manhã confirms the last two officers have begun serving prison sentences as criminal custody steps in the Odemira assault case are completed; legal appeals and further hearings are expected.

RTP reports the president of the Bar Association has called for a National Legal Emergency Plan to deal with rising pressures on the justice system. The appeal signals concern from the legal profession about capacity, access to counsel and timely handling of cases; the story calls for coordinated measures to reduce backlogs. Law firms, litigants and anyone involved in legal processes should follow proposals emerging from the Bar Association and the government. Those working with Portuguese lawyers should expect calls for procedural or resourcing changes.

Update: Ordem dos Advogados urges national legal plan

RTP coverage quotes the Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados) president asking for a coordinated national response to court backlogs and access-to-counsel problems, warning current capacity strains risk longer delays for clients and litigants.

A court has confirmed that Christine Ourmières-Widener's lawsuit against TAP will remain in civil court, CNN Portugal reports; she contests her dismissal for just cause that the Government announced in March 2023 following a General Inspectorate of Finance report into a €500,000 payment to Alexandra Reis. Keeping the case in civil jurisdiction means it will proceed under ordinary civil procedures rather than administrative routes. Those following TAP litigation and corporate governance should watch for case developments and any implications for the airline's management.

Rosário Palma Ramalho has called employers' leaders and trade union representatives to a meeting at the Ministry of Labour (Ministério do Trabalho) on Wednesday to continue technical discussions aimed at changing labour law, Expresso reports. The meeting follows a series of talks intended to find agreement on amendments that could affect working conditions and employer obligations. Employers and workers should watch for outcomes that might affect contracts, collective bargaining and workplace rules.