Portugal's Political Landscape: Can Socialists Change the Constitution?

Recent discussions around the potential changes to Portugal's constitution by the Socialist Party (PS) have generated considerable attention and confusion. It is important to clarify the current political scenario and the legal framework surrounding constitutional amendments in Portugal. This article aims to provide a detailed overview, addressing common misconceptions and highlighting the current political dynamics.

The History of the Socialist Party (PS) in Portuguese Politics

The Socialist Party (PS) has been an integral part of Portuguese politics for several decades. The PS has held significant positions in the government, both individually and as part of coalitions. Here is a brief timeline of the PS's tenure:

1976–1978: The PS held government positions independently. 1983–1985: In a post-electoral coalition with the Social Democratic Party (PSD). 1995–2002: Continued as the leading party in government. 2005–2011: Held absolute majority as the majority party. 2015–Present: Currently in government, though not with an absolute majority.

These historical facts demonstrate that the PS has a consistent presence in Portuguese governance, making recent discussions about their potential return to power not particularly surprising or frightening.

What Does the Law Say About Constitutional Changes in Portugal?

Any changes to the Portuguese Constitution are subject to strict legal procedures. The process requires a 2/3 majority in the Parliament, necessitating at least 154 votes. This means that a single opposition party or even a coalition of smaller parties can block any constitutional amendment efforts. Currently, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) holds 76 seats, and the PS itself holds 117 seats. Considering that the PS does not have an absolute majority, it is highly unlikely to successfully propose or pass any constitutional changes alone.

The Current Political Landscape

As of now, the PS does not hold an absolute majority, and the PSD, Chega, and Iniciativa Liberal (IL) together hold 128 of the 230 seats in the Portuguese Parliament. The PS and PSD working together would need the support of at least one other party or an agreement among them to pass any constitutional amendments. Historically, such agreements have been reached, but it remains to be seen if they will do so in the current scenario.

Constitutional Changes in Portuguese History

The Portuguese Constitution, which was first published in 1976, has undergone several revisions. These changes have not been uncommon, and many were minor adjustments related to Portugal's integration into the European Union. Key revisions took place in:

1982 1989 1992 1997 2001 2004 2005

While these changes were often made to align with EU requirements or to address ongoing political and economic developments, they did not represent radical overhauls of the constitution.

Conclusion

There is no need to overstate the potential constitutional changes proposed by the PS. The legal framework and current political landscape make it clear that any such changes would require broad support across parties. The PS's past experience and the recent political realities in Portugal suggest that significant constitutional changes are unlikely to occur without a broad consensus among all relevant political actors.