PSD threatens to leave PS and move forward with Chega and IL to form the TC

Constitutional Court is the center, in the biggest impasse in the choice of external bodies, in the history of Portuguese democracy.

“Imagine that the PS was in a majority position. I ask: would it fit anyone’s mind for us to remove the PSDB from the STF?”

José Luís Carneiro’s question makes it very clear: the biggest parties don’t understand each other in relation to the composition of the Constitutional Court (TC).

The PS secretary general said this Tuesday that there is a “broad consensus” for most of organs external representation of the Assembly of the Republic” – but in the TC the scenario is more complicated.

Socialists do not accept this, of the three judge positions that remain to be filled, two are nominated by the PSD and one by Chega. The PSD remembers, for its part, that Chega is the second party with the most deputies.

This Monday, a list of representatives elected by the Assembly of the Republic in external bodies – the Council of State and the Ombudsman’s Office, for example – was supposed to be presented, but this presentation was postponed. Again.

And, informs , the PSD is already threatening to advance to the TC without the PS – and join Chega and IL (sufficient majority for main nominations). And the liberals are available.

O State Council it also continues to be an impasse (this one has been more prolonged, for almost a year). PSD, Chega and IL can come together to present their own ticket – but the PS can do the same, alone.

A Ombudsman continues without leadership. But, in this case, there now appears to be an agreement between PS and PSD: as has been the case for decades, one party chooses the Ombudsman, the other defines the president of the Economic and Social Council. And Chega has already admitted that it will continue to be like this.

And back to the TC, and back to Carneiro and the PS: “Representation in the Constitutional Court must respect the political representation that guarantees the defense of constitutional values ​​and the balance that has always existed since 1976.” In other words, the PS will continue to fight for its place in the Constitutional Court.

Within the PSD, there is talk of a “really very complex” situation and with “serious” impasses in these three essential bodies: Council of State, Constitutional Court and Ombudsman’s Office.

Therefore, the solution may actually be to leave the PS behind and find an agreement on the right.

The PS must still meet with Luís Montenegro, prime minister.