‘Constitutional vs. Government: Nationality Law passes in essence, constitutionalists conclude’ (with José Luís Moreira da Silva)

Even so, the head of state may veto the law again and send it back to the Constitutional Court, thereby postponing the entry into force of the legal text until the end of January or February, warns José Luís Moreira da Silva. The expert in fundamental law points out, however, that the provisions declared unconstitutional ‘do not undermine the essence of the law’, which was ultimately validated by the judges.

‘Even without the unconstitutional provisions, the Government will be able to carry out the essence of the reform it wanted,’ agrees constitutionalist Tiago Duarte. The provision extending the deadlines for applying for Portuguese nationality from five to 10 years (for foreigners from all countries) and to seven years (for citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries and European Union citizens) passed the Constitutional Court's scrutiny, José Luís Moreira da Silva explains.