The government led by Luís Montenegro faces the second motion of censorship in just two weeks, leading the executive to announce the presentation of a motion of trust. But what do these political tools mean and what are their consequences?
What are parliamentary motions?
According to Assembly of the RepublicParliament can resort to three types of motions to oversee and condition the government:
- Censure motion: Used to penalize the government for its performance.
- Confidence: Government initiative to test your parliamentary support.
- Rejection: Presented to refuse the government program shortly after its presentation.
A Constitution of the Portuguese Republic It provides that these motions may have a direct impact on government continuity.
Censure motion
What is it?
A motion of censorship is a parliamentary initiative that aims disapprove of the execution of the government program or the management of matters of relevant national interest. To be approved, you need a absolute majority of deputies in effective functionsie at least 116 votes in a parliament with 230 Deputies.
What happens if approved?
If the motion is approved, the Government is obliged to fireIt is up to the President of the Republic to decide whether to appoint a new executive or calls early elections.
What happens if it is spoiled?
If rejected, the party that presented the motion may not present another during the same legislative session.
How many censorship motions were presented?
From 1976were debated 35 censorship motions. Presented by PCP against the government of Luís Montenegro will be the 36.ª.
How many did the government drop?
Just A motion of censorshipem 1987led to the fall of a government. Was presented by PRD against the minority executive of ANÍBAL CAVACO SILVA. However, this episode ended up benefiting Cavaco Silva, who won its first absolute majority in the following elections.
What party did you show the most?
O PCP It is the party that most censorship motions presented, totaling 11 Initiatives.
What is the most censored government?
The government of Pedro Passos Coelho (2011-2015) was the target of six censorship motionsthe largest number to date.
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Confidence
What is it?
The motion of trust is an initiative of the Governmentpresented to the Assembly of the Republic to reaffirm that it continues to be able to govern. It can be used to test parliamentary support and strengthen the position of the executive.
How does it work?
Different from the motion of censorship, the motion of trust It only needs a simple majority to approve. This means that it is enough to have more votes in favor than against.
What happens if it is spoiled?
If the motion of confidence is rejected, the government It is automatically fired.
How many confidence motions were presented?
Since 1976, 11 MOTIONS OF TRUST. The last one occurred in 2013by the Government of Pedro Passos Coelho.
How many led to the fall of the government?
Just A motion of trustem 1977led to the fall of the government, when Mário Soares did not obtain the necessary parliamentary support to continue in office.
Which government has the most presented?
O Government of Mário Soares presented Three Messions of Trustthe largest number recorded.
Rejection of the government program
What is it?
The motion of rejection is a mechanism used by parliamentary groups to prevent the approval of the government program. To be approved, an absolute majority (116 votes) is required.
What happens if approved?
If a motion of rejection is approved, the government is automatically dismissed.
How many rejection motions were presented?
In the last 50 years, they have been presented More than 30 rejection motions.
How many led to the resignation of the government?
Two motions of rejection made governments fall:
- 1978 – The Government of NOBRE OF THE COAST fell after the PS presented a motion of rejection to its program.
- 2015 – After Pedro Passos Coelho Winning the elections, a parliamentary coalition led by PS, BE, PCP and PEV approved a motion of rejection, leading to the fall of the government and the emergence of Contraption.
Conclusion
The motions of censorship, trust and rejection are fundamental instruments for government supervision by. Although it has been used countless times throughout democracy, only a few have had a direct impact on the fall of governments, reflecting the importance of parliamentary stability on the country’s political decisions.
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