On July 3, 2026, the Portuguese Parliament approved a new legal framework for stateless individuals, known as the "statute of the apátrida." This legislation was introduced by the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and passed in its final vote with the opposition of the Chega party. The law received support from all left-wing parties, including the Socialist Party (PS), Left Bloc (Bloco de Esquerda), and the Free Party (Livre), as well as the PSD and the Initiative for Liberty (Iniciativa Liberal). The only votes against were cast by Chega, while the Center Democrat and Social Party (CDS) abstained.
The new statute defines a stateless person as someone who is not recognized as a national by any country under their respective laws or due to the application of the law. The status ceases upon acquiring Portuguese nationality or another nationality, or when another state grants a similar status. For minors seeking recognition as stateless, the law ensures they have the right to be accompanied by their parents throughout the process and receive legal assistance. The statute also provides temporary residence permits valid for six months, renewable until a final decision is made, along with access to free interpretation services, legal aid, healthcare, education, employment programs, and vocational training.
The approval of this law followed a contentious debate over another legislative proposal that had been rejected earlier in the day. That measure aimed to introduce a penalty of losing one's nationality for committing serious crimes such as homicide, trafficking, and terrorism-related offenses. However, the bill was vetoed by former President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and deemed unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court. Despite strong arguments from the government and the Chega party, which supported the measure, the bill failed to gain enough support in the final vote, receiving only 56 votes in favor compared to 152 against.
The minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, argued that the loss of nationality should be a consequence of grave crimes that undermine the social fabric and civic ties to the nation. He emphasized that the initiative was necessary to prevent individuals from committing serious offenses without facing consequences. However, the PSD faced criticism from Chega leader André Ventura, who accused them of weakening the proposed measures to appease the left and avoid political pressure. Ventura insisted that countries in Europe already apply such penalties and that Portugal should follow suit, particularly given the rise in human trafficking cases, which he claimed had increased by more than 300% in recent years.
The debate over the loss of nationality was part of broader negotiations between the PSD and Chega regarding the revision of the Nationality Law. These discussions had previously led to tensions, especially after the PSD’s defeat on labor reform and the approval of the Universal Social Allowance with the help of the PS. The PSD defended its position by stating that the Constitution allows for the loss of nationality in exceptional circumstances but that the new text respects the limits imposed by the Constitutional Court.
Meanwhile, the Chega party announced its intention to oppose amendments to the so-called "burqa law," which prohibits the concealment of faces in public spaces for religious reasons. The PSD had proposed changes to the law, focusing on security concerns rather than religious motivations, but Chega refused to accept these modifications. This stance could potentially block the final approval of both the nationality loss bill and the burqa law, as the Chega party has threatened to vote against any compromises.
The political landscape remains tense, with the Chega party accusing the PSD of failing to uphold agreements reached during previous negotiations. Meanwhile, the Socialist Party criticized the current government for being influenced by Chega and suggested that Prime Minister Luís Montenegro might eventually return to the Chega party, citing his apparent alignment with their policies despite the government's challenges. The situation highlights the ongoing power struggles within Portuguese politics and the complexities surrounding immigration, nationality, and civil liberties.
5 reports
Diário de NotíciasIndependentLeft12 hr. agoThe Portuguese Assembly of the Republic approved, on July 3, 2026, the new statute for stateless persons through a final vote. The legislation originated from a Social Democratic proposal and received support from all leftist parties, the PSD, and the Iniciativa Liberal, with only the CDS abstaining and the Chega opposing it. The law defines a stateless person as someone not recognized as a national by any state under international law. It outlines conditions under which statelessness ceases, including acquiring Portuguese nationality or another nation’s citizenship. The law also ensures parental involvement in procedures involving minors. Critics, particularly from the Chega party, accused the PSD of contradictory policies—strict immigration controls alongside this more lenient approach to stateless individuals.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the approval of the statute as a progressive achievement, emphasizing broad bipartisan support from leftist parties and centrist groups like the PSD and Iniciativa Liberal. The opposition from the Chega is portrayed as politically motivated and inconsistent, using strong language.
Diário de NotíciasIndependentRight13 hr. ago Parliament calls for loss of nationality for those who commit crimesThe Portuguese Parliament rejected a proposed decree that would have imposed the accessory penalty of losing nationality for individuals who commit serious crimes, such as terrorism, human trafficking, and homicide. The bill had previously been vetoed by former President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and faced two constitutional challenges from the Constitutional Court. While the government and right-wing parties argued that the measure was necessary for national security, the majority of parliamentarians voted against it, with support coming only from the Chega and CDS parties. The proposal aimed to strip citizenship from those committing severe offenses but included provisions allowing for the reacquisition of nationality after 10–25 years depending on the crime. André Ventura of Chega defended the idea as a principle derived from negotiations with the PSD during the revision of the Nationality Law.
Bias read (Right): The article emphasizes the arguments made by the government and right-wing parties advocating for stricter measures against criminals, including the loss of nationality, while portraying opposition from leftist parties as dismissive of the initiative. The framing highlights concerns over national 'c
PúblicoIndependentRight21 hr. agoThe article discusses the potential motivations behind the PSD's insistence on maintaining ties with Chega, suggesting it may stem from a desire to counteract setbacks such as the failure of labor law reforms and the approval of the Unified Social Benefit with the support of the PS. The editorial by Marta Moitinho Oliveira frames this behavior as politically strategic, highlighting the complex interplay between parties in Portuguese politics.
Bias read (Right): The article implies that the PSD's actions are driven by strategic considerations rather than ideological alignment, which suggests a focus on pragmatic outcomes over broader political principles. This framing leans toward a right-wing perspective by emphasizing tactical maneuvering over collective,
Diário de NotíciasIndependentRightyesterday Ventura anuncia voto contra alterações do PSD sobre perda de nacionalidade e lei das burcasThe article discusses political tensions between the Chega party and the PSD regarding two legislative proposals: one concerning the loss of nationality for individuals committing certain crimes, and another related to the 'burqa law' regulating face concealment in public spaces. President of Chega, André Ventura, announced he would vote against amendments proposed by the PSD to both bills, arguing they dilute the original intent of the legislation. The PSD has introduced a third version of the nationality law, narrowing the scope of crimes leading to loss of nationality compared to previous drafts. In response to changes to the 'burqa law', Ventura criticized the PSD for shifting focus from religious reasons to security concerns. He accused the PSD of undermining the original project and suggested that if Chega votes against the proposals, they could fail due to lack of consensus. Ventura emphasized that the PSD should reconsider whether it prefers to achieve nothing or maintain the existing consensus.
Bias read (Right): The article frames the debate through the lens of Chega’s opposition to what it perceives as the PSD’s attempt to weaken the original legislation. Language used suggests a strong ideological stance, particularly in criticizing the PSD for allegedly failing to uphold societal values and legal norms.
RTP NotíciasState / PublicLeft5 days agoCarlos César, president of Portugal's Socialist Party (PS), stated during a meeting of the PS National Commission that Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, leader of the center-right PSD party, exhibits symptoms of Stockholm syndrome regarding the far-right Chega party. César claimed that despite the PSD government being 'held hostage' by Chega and repeatedly misled by it, Montenegro appears to have developed a fondness for Chega and may return to them. He argued that the alternative to extremism in Portuguese society is not less extreme parties but non-extremist ones, positioning the PS as the viable option against the current government. César emphasized the PS's commitment to good governance and its role in shaping relations with the Republic's government.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the current government as being under the influence of the far-right Chega party and suggests that Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has a favorable view of Chega, implying a negative assessment of the government's leadership. The PS is portrayed as the legitimate alternative to both
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