Government sees PS blackmail regarding the Constitutional Court and maintains intention to dialogue with everyone

2026, the year of (un)expected political stability

Former military personnel point to constitutional rupture

“The rupture of the constitutional order requires immediate correction, especially in the face of the factual and legal incapacity of those who intend to exercise an illicit mandate,” said the Military Institutional Front.

PSD and PS reach political agreement on composition of lists for external bodies and postpone Constitutional Court elections

The agreement between the two parties' parliamentary groups was announced in a statement by the Socialists. The PS and PSD agreed to postpone the parliamentary elections to replace the missing judges for the Constitutional Court until the beginning of May. The parties will wait for the departure of one more judge from the Court. Chega claims to have given its approval to the postponement.

Joint list for Constitutional Court rules out rebellion within PSD

The possibility of a rebellion by PSD deputies against an agreement with Chega for the election of Constitutional Court judges is considered unlikely, as the voting system requires a joint list where failing to elect the Chega-nominated candidate would also block the election of the PSD's own nominees. The vote, scheduled for April 16, requires a two-thirds majority, and despite internal resistance within the PSD towards André Ventura's party, the pragmatic need to secure their own seats is expected to maintain party discipline. Meanwhile, the PS remains divided on how to respond, with some members advocating for a break from negotiations due to the PSD's preference for Chega as a partner.

The ongoing strategies to destroy democracy from within

What happened this week in Parliament, where it was done and before whom, is an insult and a summons to confrontation. Opinion by José Pacheco Pereira.

Chega 'will precipitate the discussion on constitutional revision to stress-test the system' and 'unleash chaos'

Commentator Pedro Adão e Silva argues that 'we should not turn constitutional revision into the country's major political issue', as, typically, 'this happens as an excuse to avoid doing other things'.

Poço: "PSD will not be cornered on constitutional revision"

Alexandre Poço, MP and vice-president of the PSD, doubts André Ventura's intentions, refuses to commit to a constitutional revision led by the right, and downplays messages from Pedro Passos Coelho.

“The Constitution is respected, but it is not untouchable”: Aguiar-Branco dismisses taboos regarding revision in a ceremony marked by a silent protest

In a session marked by the protest of constituent deputies against André Ventura's speech, who walked out of the room, and the subsequent reprimand by Aguiar-Branco, political parties—especially those on the right—defended the idea of a constitutional revision, although the PSD warned that the “foundations” of the Constitution “must remain untouchable”.

Montenegro warns that "ambition without stability would be childish recklessness"

The Prime Minister argued that his PSD/CDS governments have demonstrated that political stability “is possible even without a parliamentary majority.”

Montenegro, the moment of truth two years later

The choice of a pendulum government, a new 'geringonça' dependent on precarious balances, acts as a support for the Chega programme, not as a driving force for any future project. Opinion by Manuel Carvalho

Former Constitutional Court presidents defend plurality and oppose constitutional revision

José Manuel Cardoso da Costa, João Caupers, and Joaquim Sousa Ribeiro reject any revision of the Constitution that could diminish the established constitutional consensus. Plurality is the 'golden rule' of the Court.

Constitutional revision "must have agreement from PSD and PS"

Professor Jorge Miranda, one of the primary authors of the Constitution, argues that a revision of the fundamental text “must have agreement from the PSD and the PS” and excludes Chega from the nomination of judges to the Constitutional Court.

Constitutional scholars hold political agents responsible for non-compliance with the Constitution

Against the backdrop of a possible constitutional revision from the right, Jorge Miranda, Jorge Reis Novais, and Teresa Violante argue that the Fundamental Law remains stable and adequate, and that the country's problems are the result of its non-compliance by political agents.

PS to take a firmer stance if excluded by the Constitutional Court

MP Miguel Costa Matos warns that the situation demands a different approach from the Socialists. Alexandra Leitão also criticises the Government's agreements with Chega.

After the leader's threat, César calls for caution. Ignoring the PS in the Constitutional Court is a risk to the regime

While Carneiro admitted a rupture with the Government, Carlos César argued that the PS must show it is part of the solution. Socialist figures warn the PSD that leaving the PS out of the Constitutional Court is a danger to democracy.

PS raises tone against PSD over Constitutional Court and is divided between rupture and compromise

The conciliatory speech of the re-elected PS president was followed by several interventions dramatising the gravity of a possible understanding between the PSD and Chega regarding the selection of three Constitutional Court judges. César's appeal for serenity did not gain followers.

Francisco Assis appeals to PSD deputies not to accept an agreement with Chega

The MEP argued that the PS must have the strength to “make compromises”, but also to make breaks.

Moz Caldas dramatises and threatens to break with the Government

Socialist leader and figure very close to José Luís Carneiro suggests that if the PSD signs an agreement with Chega in the Constitutional Court, then it will have chosen the majority with which it wants to govern. 'The PS will act accordingly.'

Moz Caldas dramatizes and pressures the Government

Socialist leader and figure very close to José Luís Carneiro suggests that if the PSD signs an agreement with Chega in the Court of Auditors, then it will have chosen the majority with which it wants to govern. 'The PS will act accordingly.'

President of the Republic avoids controversy over Constitutional Court elections

António José Seguro only stated that he is confident in the election of the new members of the Council of State next week.

TC: More than just judges, democracy is at stake

By proposing two seats for the AD and one for Chega, the Government intends for the right (with the far-right represented) to have six judges instead of five.

11 PM. José Luís Carneiro issues a warning to Luís Montenegro

The Socialist Party leader states that the relationship between the two parties could worsen if the PS is excluded from the agreement. Additionally, Donald Trump claims that negotiations with Iran are going well.

Will Spinumviva be Montenegro's ghost forever?

Wherever Montenegro goes, Spinumviva is there to haunt him, but for how long? Also, is the Constitutional Court debate finally coming to an end?

Political balance and the guarantee of the Constitution

The appointment system for the 13 judges of the Constitutional Court (TC) requires a two-thirds majority vote in the Assembly of the Republic. Historically, this has ensured a balance between judges appointed by the two parties that founded the democratic regime. The author argues that altering this balance based on a temporary parliamentary situation would constitute a structural change and a potential constitutional rupture. Furthermore, the author highlights that a clear majority of Portuguese voters support parties that uphold the Constitution, and warns the PSD against forming alliances with anti-system parties to appoint judges, urging moderate deputies to protect the integrity of the Constitutional Court.

Socialist Isabel Moreira considers agreement between PSD and Chega a certainty: "Montenegro deceived his electorate"

At a time when the deadlock in the election of judges for the Constitutional Court remains unresolved, Socialist Isabel Moreira argues that an understanding already exists between the PSD and Chega on this and other matters, and accuses the Prime Minister of deceiving the Portuguese people.