On 12 June, Parliament elected four new judges to the Constitutional Court with the required two-thirds majority, filling all vacant seats and ending a deadlock that had delayed appointments for nearly two years. The vacancies had accumulated as political parties failed to reach the consensus required to appoint judges to the 13-member court, including after the resignation of Constitutional Court President José João Abrantes in May. The agreement restored the Court to full membership and ensured the continued functioning of the country's highest body for constitutional review, which is responsible for assessing whether laws and government actions comply with the Constitution.

Sources: The Portugal Post, Diário de Notícias, RTP Notícias (1), RTP Notícias (2)

On 8 February, Portugal held the second round of its presidential election after no candidate secured an absolute majority in the first round on 18 January. António José Seguro, backed by the Socialist Party, defeated Chega’s André Ventura with 66.8 per cent of the vote and will become the country’s next president. This was only the second runoff in the country’s democratic history, and the first since 1986. Turnout was 52.3 per cent in the first round and 50 per cent in the second, higher than the 39.3 per cent recorded in the past 2021 presidential election, which was decided in a single round.

Sources: Politico, International IDEA, LUSA - Agência de Notícias de Portugal

Voter turnout in the first round of the presidential election, held on 18 January, reached 52.3 per cent, the highest level in 15 years. This marked an increase from the previous three presidential elections, when turnout stood at 39.3 per cent in 2021, 48.7 per cent in 2016 and 46.5 per cent in 2011. In the 2026 runoff, held on 8 February, turnout remained comparatively high at 50 per cent.

Sources: Politico, International IDEA, LUSA - Agência de Notícias de Portugal

On 12 February, legislation that would  require children aged 13 to 16 to obtain parental consent to access social media, with platforms required to introduce age-verification systems, passed its first reading and will continue through the legislative process.The proposal would also reinforce existing restrictions preventing children under 13 from accessing social media. The proposed restrictions are intended to strengthen protections for minors online. However, observers have raised concerns about their potential impact on young people’s ability to participate in online spaces and access to information, including possible implications for their freedom of expression. The bill remains under parliamentary consideration and has not yet been enacted.

Sources: Reuters, SIC Noticias, Observador

On 11 December, the first major general strike in over a decade took place in Portugal. Organized by the country’s main labor unions, the strike mobilized approximately three million workers, representing 60 per cent of the workforce, according to organizers. Participants protested against a proposed labour reform, which they fear could increase employment insecurity by making dismissals easier, facilitating outsourcing, and restricting certain forms of compassionate leave. The strike mainly disrupted transport, education, healthcare and public administration services, impacting daily life across the country. Some limited clashes between security forces and protestors took place, with a total of six people arrested. 

Sources: El País, Euronews, Diário de Notícias, Observador

On 17 October, Parliament approved a bill prohibiting face coverings in public for 'gender or religious' reasons, with exceptions for places of worship, airports and diplomatic premises, and for health, professional or artistic purposes. Proposed by the right-wing Chega party under the rationale of protecting women’s rights and ‘cultural preservation’, the law will effectively restrict the wearing of burqas and niqabs, which are worn by some Muslim women for religious reasons. Violations will carry fines of up to EUR 4,000 and forcing someone to cover her face may result in up to three years’ imprisonment. Rights groups have expressed concerns that the bill will disproportionately impact a minority of Muslim women. The law is now pending a review by the Parliament’s Constitutional Affairs Committee, which may introduce amendments. Following the review, it will proceed for a final parliamentary vote before being sent to President Rebelo de Sousa for potential ratification, a decision for which he will have 20 days. 

Sources: Associated Press, Euronews, Público, EFE, The Resident