Latest news and stories about ombudsman in Portugal for expats and residents.
Tiago Antunes, the PS-nominated candidate for Ombudsman, defended his political independence during a parliamentary hearing, countering criticism from the Liberal Initiative regarding his past government roles by highlighting his lack of party membership and commitment to protecting vulnerable groups.
After Tiago Antunes failed to be elected as Ombudsman, the Socialist Party (PS) is keeping its decision on a new candidate on hold. While reports suggest the party is considering judge Ana Celeste Carvalho, an official source denies any formal invitation has been made. The search continues for a candidate capable of securing the necessary two-thirds majority in Parliament, with the possibility of aligning the vote with the appointment of new Constitutional Court judges.
PRESS REVIEW | The election of the university professor and former government official for the position of Ombudsman fell short of the required two-thirds of parliament, receiving only 104 favourable votes out of a total of 230 deputies.
Lisbon, 24 May 2026 (Lusa) -- The PS stated today that it will speak first with the PSD regarding the new name for Ombudsman, understanding Tiago Antunes' decision to withdraw from the race after being the target of a 'campaign by the more radical right'.
The PS stated this Friday, April 23, that it will first consult with the PSD regarding a new candidate for Ombudsman, acknowledging Tiago Antunes' decision to withdraw from the race after being targeted by a 'campaign from the radical right'. Speaking to the Lusa agency, PS parliamentary leader Eurico Brilhante Dias expressed respect for Antunes' decision not to stand for election again after his previous rejection, noting that his candidacy had originally been agreed upon with the PSD. Dias lamented that Antunes was subjected to pressure that over half of the PSD bench could not withstand, failing to follow their leadership's voting instructions. The PS leader confirmed no new invitations have been issued yet and hopes to conclude the election during May, noting that the party has other suitable candidates in mind. Antunes, a former Socialist Secretary of State, described his rejection as a form of 'cancellation' and stated he was condemned in a media pillory without cause.
Tiago Antunes, who had been nominated by the PS for the position of Ombudsman, has decided to withdraw from the race and will not submit himself to a second parliamentary vote. Last week, the candidate agreed upon nine months ago by José Luís Carneiro and Luís Montenegro to replace Maria Lúcia Amaral failed to be elected in the Assembly of the Republic.
Former Secretary of State says his name had been agreed upon nine months ago between Carneiro and Montenegro
PS and PSD traded narratives regarding the failure to elect Tiago Antunes to the position of Ombudsman.
Socialists are in dialogue with the candidate rejected by Parliament to evaluate a new bid. Carneiro defends 'a great personality of great integrity'.
The PS secretary-general indicated that his party is in talks with Tiago Antunes to assess a new bid for Ombudsman, praising him as a person of great integrity and without partisan bias. This follows the rejection of his candidacy by the Assembly of the Republic on Thursday. Carneiro noted that the PS had previously reached an agreement with the PSD, which had guaranteed support for the candidate. Meanwhile, Rui Rocha has accused Antunes of being part of a machine designed to manipulate public opinion.
Yesterday was a busy day for national politics. Between the failure to elect Tiago Antunes as Ombudsman and the names put forward by Seguro for Council of State members, what assessment can be made?
The PS candidate for Ombudsman failed to be elected. What went wrong and which divisions were exposed? Analysis with Rui Pedro Antunes.
Former Socialist Secretary of State Tiago Antunes failed his election for the position of Ombudsman today after falling short of the two-thirds majority, receiving only 104 votes in favour out of a total of 230 deputies.
Francisco César, from the PS, states that the process “was not peaceful” from the beginning and “did not dignify democracy”.
From the perspective of the Chega president, in the plenary session, 'there was a clear will and a clear interpretation from the majority of parliament'.
CNN Portugal commentator Anselmo Crespo analysed the lack of consensus in the election of Tiago Antunes for the position of Ombudsman.
Tiago Antunes, the candidate nominated by the PS for the position of Ombudsman, failed to secure his election this Thursday. The former Secretary of State under António Costa required a two-thirds qualified majority, which he did not achieve in the vote held during the afternoon in Parliament. The vote took place via secret ballot this afternoon.
Antunes received 104 votes.
The candidate nominated by the PS failed to secure the necessary votes. The PS succeeded in electing Carlos César to the Council of State.
Two-thirds of the deputies' votes were required
The name put forward by the PS has been contested and is at risk of being rejected. Chega is calling for a vote against, and the Liberal Initiative also does not accept the choice.
The leader of the PSD Parliamentary Group gave instructions today to the deputies of his bench to vote in favour of the candidacy of former Socialist Secretary of State Tiago Antunes for the position of Ombudsman.
Tiago Antunes was proposed by the PS for the role of Ombudsman following an agreement with the PSD, but to be elected, he must obtain a qualified two-thirds majority in parliament.
The agreement between the PS and PSD for the Ombudsman is at risk. Manuel Pizarro defends Tiago Antunes from attacks he calls political “terrorism”. Fernando Negrão says the lack of an ombudsman is “inadmissible”.
A former Secretary of State was nominated by the PS as part of an agreement with the Social Democrats. However, some Socialists are threatening to vote against it, and there are also pockets of resistance within the PSD parliamentary group.
Rui Rocha addressed Tiago Antunes as “Miguel Abrantes” and demanded an “act of contrition”. The former socialist government official says he feels “fully qualified” for the position.
The former Secretary of State in several Socialist governments and law professor will be voted on in Parliament next week, after Ventura stated that Chega would not maintain the deadlock in negotiations. Tiago Antunes promised to focus on homeless people, children, and victims of domestic and gender-based violence.
A profile of Tiago Antunes, a discreet and technically skilled jurist with a background in government coordination, as he is nominated for the position of Ombudsman. The article explores his career, his reputation for being methodical and calm under pressure, and the debate surrounding his transition from executive power to an independent oversight role.
Will we have an Ombudsman held hostage by their political responsibilities? The unusual (and incomprehensible) complaints to the Ombudsman in 1976. And Trump's fury when he realises that people are saying he lost.
The name nominated by agreement between the PS and PSD for the position of Ombudsman fills a vacancy that had existed since June 2025, following the departure of Maria Lúcia Amaral.
