André Ventura Claims Marcelo Will Send Foreigners' Law to Constitutional Court

André Ventura, leader of Chega, announced after a meeting with the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, that the President intends to send the newly approved foreigners' law to the Constitutional Court (TC) for preventive scrutiny. The law, which modifies rules for the entry, stay, and expulsion of foreign citizens, was approved with votes from the right-wing parties, except for the IL (Iniciativa Liberal), which abstained, and against the votes of the left-wing parties, PAN, and JPP.

Ventura expressed 99.9% certainty that the law would be sent to the TC, citing the President's concerns over legal security, the connection to CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries), and the jurisdictional protection of immigrants' rights. The TC will have 25 days to review the law unless the President requests an urgent review.

The Chega leader emphasized the party's stance on expelling individuals in illegal situations and preventing the entry of those without means of subsistence. He also mentioned the President's acknowledgment of the chaos following the extinction of SEF (Foreigners and Borders Service), leading to shared competencies among institutions.

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has previously hinted at doubts regarding the diploma, having only enacted the IRS tax reduction and the creation of the Foreigners and Borders Unit in PSP last week. He stated he would sign the foreigners' law if it respects the Constitution and addresses the current unsustainable situation without going to extremes, considering Portugal's need for immigrants.