Portugal: Terrorist charges and parental leave expansion

A 39-year-old man accused of terrorism will face trial following an incident during the Marcha Pela Vida anti-abortion demonstration in Lisbon. The Central Department of Investigation and Criminal Prosecution (DCIAP) has charged the individual with 10 terrorist offenses, including attempted murder and attempted arson, after he allegedly threw a cocktail molotov near the Assembly of the Republic in March 2026.

The prosecution claims the suspect underwent ideological radicalization between 2021 and 2026, driven by Marxist-inspired rhetoric. However, the defense maintains that there was no intention to harm anyone and argues that surveillance footage will show the device was not intentionally thrown at people.

In separate legislative news, the Portuguese Parliament has unanimously approved the expansion of parental leave. Starting January 1, the new law will provide 100% paid leave for up to six months and implement continuous working hours for private sector employees with children up to age 12. The measure was a joint proposal from the PSD and PS parties.