Portuguese Constitutional Court denies pending requests to outlaw political parties

The Portuguese Constitutional Court has issued a clarification stating that there are no pending requests to declare any political party illegal. This follows comments from judge Maria Benedita Urbano, who indicated that a request for the extinction of the Chega party had been received. The request was reportedly initiated by lawyer António Garcia Pereira, who argues the party violates the Constitution due to its alleged racist and fascist nature.

While the Court clarified that no such request is currently pending, the legal process for dissolving a political movement in Portugal requires a formal request from the Public Ministry.

Separately, the Chega party recently presented a motion of censure in the Assembly of the Republic. Critics have characterized the motion as a political maneuver focused on criticism and suspicion rather than providing concrete governance alternatives or addressing the long-term sustainability of social security and pension reforms.