Constitutional Courts in São Tomé and Príncipe and Portugal face key developments

In São Tomé and Príncipe, the President of the Constitutional Court, Artur Vera Cruz, has indicated he may resign following the proclamation of the September 27 election results. Vera Cruz, who joined the court on a six-month leave from the Court of Auditors to assist with the judicial transition following the removal of previous judges, stated his primary mission was to facilitate the presidential and legislative electoral processes.

In Portugal, the Constitutional Court is set to rule on the controversial Return and Asylum Law. The decision follows a preventive review requested by President António José Seguro, who raised concerns regarding the constitutionality of the law in areas such as child protection, family unity, personal liberty, and the right to asylum. The legislation, approved by Parliament, aims to align Portuguese migration and asylum procedures with new European Union frameworks, specifically regarding the entry, stay, and removal of foreign nationals.