Articles

Portugal has entered the most decisive moment of its presidential election.
The first round is over. The noise has faded. Now comes the second round—where voters no longer choose their favorite candidate, but choose the future they fear the least.

The runoff will be between António José Seguro and André Ventura. One represents stability and institutions. The other represents protest, anger, and disruption.

This election is not just about numbers. It is about where votes move—and where they refuse to go.

Lisbon 18 January, 2026 — Portugal votes today with André Ventura standing at the center of the storm — first in the polls, loudest in the campaign, and almost certain to reach the runoff. And yet, hovering over his momentum is a paradox that defines this election: Ventura is leading the race he is still unlikely to win.

Lisbon Dec 25, 2025— As Portugal moves toward its next presidential election, all available political indicators point to one clear conclusion: the race is heading for a second round, and despite strong visibility in opinion polls, André Ventura is not expected to become President of the Republic.

Lisbon Dec 24, 2025 — For thousands of legal residents in Portugal approaching five years of residence, particularly those completing their eligibility period in February, there is growing reason for cautious optimism regarding nationality applications.

The idea is simple and powerful: under certain constitutional rules, the Assembleia da República (Parliament) can — by a super-majority (two-thirds) — “confirm” a law or part of a law even if the Constitutional Court declares it unconstitutional. On paper, that gives the legislature a direct way to keep controversial measures alive.

But reality tells a different story: such overrides have been used only very rarely. And even when possible, doing so carries high political and ethical risk.

Portugal’s Nationality Law Reform: Super-Majority, Constitutional Review, and the Battle Ahead

Portugal’s sweeping nationality-law reform has stepped into a defining moment. Backed by a large parliamentary majority, the legislation is now under preventive review by the Constitutional Court (TC). The heart of the debate revolves around a rare constitutional mechanism that allows Parliament to “confirm” a law even after the Court labels it unconstitutional.

In the quiet corridors of Portuguese democracy, there is a mechanism that hums like a hidden engine — steady, powerful, waiting for the moment it’s needed. It is the preventive constitutional review, a tool that allows the Constitution itself to speak before a law becomes reality.

Many people imagine that only the President of the Republic holds this key. After all, he is the guardian who signs, vetoes, or questions a law before giving it life. But the Constitution, wise and forward-looking, spreads this power more broadly.

In a reform filled with new restrictions and longer waiting times, one change finally goes in favour of immigrants.
Portugal’s new Nationality Law 2025 introduces a simple but powerful promise:
Once you have been a Portuguese citizen for ten years, your nationality can never be revoked — as long as it was obtained in good faith.

The Nationality Law has been approved by Parliament — but it’s not law yet.
Before it reaches the Diário da República and takes effect, the reform must travel through the corridors of the Presidency and, possibly, the Constitutional Court.

Here’s a clear look at how many days each step can take, whether the law is approved, vetoed, or sent for constitutional review, and what that means for those waiting to apply for Portuguese citizenship.

Portugal’s recent overhaul of its Nationality Law is more than a legal tweak—it’s a political statement. But as much as it expands state control over who belongs, it arguably ventures into territory where constitutional rights, equality, and legal certainty may be at risk. In fact, several legal experts and media reports suggest the reform could be sent to the Constitutional Court for review.

Here are the key provisions likely to raise constitutional alarm bells — and which you should watch as the law moves toward promulgation.