Rita Júdice also addressed the impact of the strikes, especially that of court officials, which lasted more than a year and generated a large backlog of cases. The governor highlighted that, recently, new agreements were signed with unions, enabling the end of the strike. New vehicles were also purchased and elevators repaired in courts, including the Palace of Justice in Lisbon. “We are putting the house in order”, he guarantees.
Furthermore, Júdice revealed that the government is preparing legislative interventions to reinforce control over local authorities, an unexpected measure in the fight against corruption, a topic that has raised concern and debate.
With regard to staff shortages, the Ministry of Justice faces difficulties in retaining and recruiting bailiffs and prison guards, careers that present large deficit of professionals due to departures for retirement. The budget for 2025 includes five million euros to review the salaries of bailiffs and 14 million for prison guards. To attract more candidates, the government is considering reviewing recruitment criteria, allowing people over 28 to apply.
In the debate, tensions arose when the minister was questioned by André Ventura, from Chega, about the reduction of funds for prison security. Showing some hesitation, Júdice confessed to having forgotten her glasses, which made it difficult to read the values.
The session also brought news about the legal fees system, with the PCP proposing their gradual elimination, defending free access to justice. The new general director of prison services, Orlando Carvalho, was also announced.
