During a press event in Santarém, alongside the presentation of João Leite’s candidacy for the Municipal Chamber, Hugo Soares stated that “the Socialist Party disrupted the consensus on the Nationality Law in 2018”, adding that the PSD has not voted in favor of changes to this matter since then.
“Indeed, there was a consensus that the Socialist Party broke in 2018, which led to the need to correct those mistakes made by the Socialist Party in the beginning of 2018”, he declared.
Addressing the PS’s criticism of the Government’s proposal, which may allow the loss of nationality for those convicted of severe crimes, Hugo Soares advocated the need for profound reform in immigration matters.
“I believe any Portuguese citizen understands the need for a profound reform in immigration issues, and that reform is underway (…) Things cannot continue as they are”, he emphasized, also noting that “the Government was elected to transform, not to leave everything the same.”
Regarding concerns over the constitutionality of the measure proposing nationality withdrawal, Hugo Soares downplayed the likelihood of legal conflict.
“I don’t think that situation will occur. There is great legal certainty in what is proposed, especially since this decision will always be made by a judge of law“, he remarked, refusing to foresee “a constitutional dispute that doesn’t exist.”
The parliamentary leader assured that the PSD is open to dialogue with all parties on this matter, including the PS, despite viewing the socialists as “the architect of the mess in immigration.”
Regarding Chega’s willingness to negotiate with the Government, he considered it “a sign of political maturity” and welcomed the initiative.
“If Chega wants to be the largest opposition party, it must behave accordingly”, he observed.
Responding to PS’s critique that the Government’s proposals are based on perceptions rather than concrete data, Hugo Soares suggested that the socialists “go out on the streets and talk to the Portuguese people.”
The changes to the Nationality Law were approved in the Council of Ministers on Monday, proposing an increase of the minimum legal residence time for obtaining Portuguese citizenship: seven years for citizens from Lusophone countries and ten years for others, counting from the time the residence permit is obtained.
The introduction of mandatory language, Portuguese culture, and fundamental rights and duties tests is also planned.
The Government also proposes that for severe crimes with sentences exceeding five years, courts may decree nationality loss for naturalized citizens who have been citizens for less than a decade.
The Government’s bill proposal has not yet been submitted to Parliament.
