Portugal Parliament lifts immunity for Deputy Filipe Sousa

The Assembly of the Republic has approved the lifting of parliamentary immunity for Juntos Pelo Povo (JPP) deputy Filipe Sousa. The decision follows a request from the Madeira District Court regarding allegations of receiving or offering undue advantages.

The Public Ministry alleges that while serving as the Mayor of Santa Cruz during the 2021-2025 term, Sousa entered into a 28-day car rental agreement with Cassiano's Rent Car, Lda in February 2025. Prosecutors claim the company manager decided not to charge the total amount of 1,618.96 euros specifically due to Sousa's official position, an act the prosecution asserts the deputy accepted as an undue patrimonial advantage.

Because the potential prison sentence for this crime ranges from one to five years, the lifting of immunity is mandatory under parliamentary rules. Sousa has denied the allegations, characterizing the investigation as “political persecution” and a “narrative without foundation.”