Portugal enacts divisive Nationality Act amid legal battles over Penal Code reform
Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has signed the controversial Nationality Act into law. The decision comes after the bill was pushed through Parliament by right-wing parties. However, a related amendment to the Penal Code now faces legal scrutiny before taking effect. The new Nationality Act received presidential approval on Sunday. Its passage in Parliament relied on support from right-wing factions, sparking criticism from opposition groups.
António José Seguro, a prominent Socialist Party (PS) figure, voiced disappointment over the lack of cross-party agreement. He also cautioned against potential negative effects from legal adjustments or administrative hold-ups. Meanwhile, the PS has taken further action by requesting a preventive review of the Penal Code amendment. This change would introduce the loss of nationality as a penalty. The Constitutional Court must now examine its legality before it can be enforced.
The Nationality Act is now law, but its Penal Code counterpart remains in limbo. The Constitutional Court’s ruling will determine whether the loss of nationality becomes a punishable offence. Until then, the measure’s future stays uncertain.
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