“I hope common sense prevails and that all discussions occur within the limits of our Republic’s Constitution and the civilizational and humanistic values that characterize us as a people,” stated António José Seguro in remarks to Lusa and SIC during a visit to the Mission Structure for the Extension of the Continental Platform (EMEPC) in Paço de Arcos, Oeiras.
When asked if the legal changes proposed by the Government could be unconstitutional, António José Seguro declined to comment, emphasizing that this is the moment for the parties to express their opinions on the matter.
“The moment for the President of the Republic—or, in this case, for a presidential candidate—is to examine the final text approved in parliament and then express an opinion. Therefore, what I expect is common sense, prudence, and that the civilizational values and our Constitution guide the deputies in the future text,” he stressed.
The presidential candidate also declined to comment on the parliamentary inquiry committee into the management of INEM—proposed by the IL and to be approved in the Assembly of the Republic—stating he only wished to respond to one current question as he wanted to focus on the work of the EMEPC and the topic of the sea.
The PSD agreed today to open a period for hearings to be conducted until the end of the third week of September, before the detailed and final global voting on the Government’s bill amending the nationality law.
Last Friday, the Government’s proposed law to amend the nationality diploma was sent to the specialty phase without being voted on generally, as well as a legislative project by Chega on the same matter.
The Government’s proposal to amend the nationality law aims to increase the required period of residence in Portugal for obtaining citizenship (from five to seven or ten years, depending on whether the individuals are Lusophone or non-Lusophone).
The Government also envisions the possibility of loss of nationality for those naturalized for less than ten years and convicted of a prison sentence equal to or greater than five years for committing serious crimes. Regarding the granting of original nationality to descendants of foreigners residing in Portugal, legal residence for three years is now required.
The Government’s proposal to revise the nationality law has raised concerns about constitutionality, particularly among left-wing parliamentary parties, especially regarding the possibility of losing nationality when obtained by naturalization and by judicial decision in case of conviction for crimes.
