Portugal


Constitutional Background

Please note: The revisions after 1989 are not yet included in the ICL edition. The parliament site provides a current overview of revision proceedings.

History and News

  • 2005: 7th Constitutional revision.
  • 2004: 6th Constitution revision.
  • 2001: 5th Constitution revision. Adopting International Penal Code.
  • 1997: 4th Constitutional revision. Adopting Amsterdam.
  • Mid-1996, Lisbon: Portugal is expected to establish the CPLP.
  • 14 Jan 1996: Jorge Sampaio (PS) wins presidential elections against Anibal Cavaco Silva (PSD).
  • 1 Oct 1995: During parliamentary elections, the PS (Socialist Party) gained 44% and defeated the ten year majority of the liberal-conservative PSD (Social-Democratic Party). President Soares authorized new Prime Minister Guterres to build a government.
  • 1992: 3rd Constitutional revision. Adopting Maastricht.
  • 13 Jan 1991: Presidential elections confirmed President Mario Soares by 71%. 
  • 1989: 2nd Constitutional revision. Reversibility of business nationalizations.
  • 14 Nov 1988: Portugal joins the Western European Union.
  • 11 Dec 1987: Parliament votes unanimously to cede Macao to China in 1999.
  • 19 July 1987: Parliamentary elections lead to a renewal of the government of Prime Minister Anibal Cavaco Silva (PSD).
  • 23 March 1987: Pact with China settles return of Macao in 1999 with tacit understanding that the capital system will remain in place for another 50 years.
  • 30 June 1986: Portugal starts talks with China about Macao.
  • 9 March 1986: Mario Soares becomes the first civilian President.
  • 1982: 1st Constitutional revision. Enlarging economic freedom.
  • 2 April 1976: Constitution adopted. Transition from authoritarian regime to socialism.
  • 1557: China cedes Macao to Portugal.

For methodology see: Comparing Constitutions and International Constitutional Law.
© 1994 - 27.6.2020 / For corrections please contact A. Tschentscher.