42,000 signatures revive parental‑leave debate
Campaigners have gathered more than 42,000 signatures to relaunch debate in Parliament over initial parental leave (licença parental inicial), after an earlier attempt was nullified when the Assembly dissolved and the government fell in March 2025. Observador and Correio da Manhã report the petition will prompt renewed discussion among MPs about the measure and its design. Employers, new parents and HR teams should watch parliamentary timetables for any proposals that could affect leave entitlements.
Update: Parliament set to vote on extension this Friday
Público reports the citizens' initiative has been scheduled for a parliamentary vote this Friday; the proposal seeks to extend initial parental leave to 180 days (from 120) at 100% pay, which would require MPs to decide the measure's final design.
The Assembly of the Republic (Assembleia da República) is Portugal’s unicameral parliament of 230 deputies elected for four‑year terms; it makes laws, approves the budget and oversees the government. It approved the law strengthening penalties and rules for train drivers on 19 December 2025, demonstrating how parliamentary decisions directly change safety and labour rules that affect public services.
Initial parental leave (licença parental inicial) is the period of leave taken immediately after a child’s birth so parents can care for and bond with the newborn; it is part of Portugal’s broader parental-leave framework. A citizen initiative to change those rules was nullified after the Assembly was dissolved in March 2025 but signatures were gathered again, so parents and employers should watch for potential changes to leave length or compensation.
Parental leave (licença parental) in Portugal includes paid leave around childbirth that can be shared between parents plus a separate paternity quota, with eligibility usually tied to social‑security contributions or residency. Payments and administration go through Social Security (Segurança Social), so expat parents should check their contribution record, employment contract and register with Segurança Social to claim benefits and confirm exact leave length and pay rates.
A citizens' legislative initiative lets ordinary people gather signatures to submit a draft law to the Assembly of the Republic; the proposal in the story collected more than 42,000 signatures to increase initial parental leave from 120 to 180 days. Once submitted, the initiative is discussed and voted on by parliament, so it is a direct way for residents to push for legal change.
09:00 — Parental leave to be discussed again in the Assembly of the Republic
This follows a citizens' initiative that gathered more than 42,000 signatures. Also, Donald Trump hopes no further action will be necessary in Iran.
More than 42,000 signatures reignite debate on initial parental leave in Parliament
A petition with over 42,000 signatures has prompted Parliament to reopen debate on the introduction or reform of initial parental leave entitlements.
Doctors' Federation says Government recognises seriousness of the SNS and opens door to dialogue
The Government has acknowledged the seriousness of issues affecting the SNS and signalled readiness to engage with the Doctors' Federation. The health ministry described FNAM's proposals on medical residency, parental provisions, assessment and career progression as essential, opening a potential dialogue on reforms aimed at strengthening the medical workforce and improving retention within Portugal's public healthcare system.
