Portugal's Chega party has urged the government to abandon labor market reforms and instead prioritize an overhaul of the justice system, according to party leader André Ventura.
Why This Matters
• Political deadlock resolved? Parliament rejected the Government's labor code reform last week, creating a policy vacuum that Chega wants filled with judicial reforms.
• Justice delays plague the economy: The current system faces chronic backlogs, with administrative cases averaging 3-5 years according to Recovery and Resilience Plan data, compared to 18-24 months in Northern European countries—a barrier to foreign investment and economic confidence.
• Majority potential: Chega's 50 parliamentary seats could provide critical support for judicial reforms, which the Government has already begun advancing through separate legislation.
• Election timing: Chega holds internal district leadership elections this weekend, testing party unity as Ventura consolidates control ahead of potential coalition negotiations.
The Political Pivot
Speaking to journalists at Lisbon's Oriente Station, Ventura framed his challenge as practical advice to Prime Minister Luís Montenegro: stop fighting battles over employment law and tackle the system that "has been waiting for years" while powerful interests block progress.
The remarks follow the dramatic collapse of the Government's "Trabalho XXI" labor reform, which promised more than 100 changes to employment contracts, parental leave, and artificial intelligence use in workplaces. Parliament defeated the proposal with votes from both Chega and the left-wing opposition, leaving Montenegro's minority administration without a legislative victory on one of its signature policies.
Ventura accused the administration of stubbornness, claiming the Ministry of Labor had signaled openness to lowering the retirement age for shift workers during negotiations—only for Montenegro to override the minister hours before the vote. The Chega leader characterized this as "pulling the rug out" from under talks, though he stopped short of calling for the minister's resignation when pressed by reporters.
What Judicial Reform Would Actually Mean
Portugal's judicial system operates under significant strain. The Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), funded in part by European Union recovery funds, mandates sweeping reforms by the end of 2026. The Government has already moved on several fronts:
Parliament approved new rules in recent weeks that impose fines up to €10,200 on lawyers and parties who deploy delaying tactics in criminal proceedings—a direct response to Operação Marquês, a corruption investigation involving former Prime Minister José Sócrates that took over eight years to reach trial and has become emblematic of the system's inefficiency. The legislation, which passed with Chega's support, also grants judges active case management powers to refuse frivolous motions.
The Ministry of Justice has outlined 14 measures to cut processing times, including a digital interoperability platform linking courts, prosecutors, and police databases. The 2026 State Budget allocates funds to increase prison capacity by 5% and expand staffing for court clerks, though unions warn that roughly 600 judges will retire within six years—potentially negating any efficiency gains.
Administrative and tax courts remain a flashpoint. Montenegro has publicly committed to reforming this jurisdiction, which handles disputes between citizens and the state, citing "endless delays" that undermine legal certainty for businesses. The Supreme Court president recently lamented widespread "apathy" despite cross-party consensus on needed changes, questioning why reforms stall after initial approval.
Impact on Residents
For anyone navigating Portugal's legal system—from property disputes to business licensing—the proposed reforms carry immediate consequences:
• Faster resolutions: The anti-delay penalties target the common practice of filing repetitive motions to stall proceedings, which currently extends case timelines by months or years.
• Digital access: The new interoperability platform aims to eliminate redundant paperwork and allow litigants to track case status online, reducing trips to courthouse counters.
• Investment climate: Judicial efficiency directly affects mortgage approvals, construction permits, and commercial contract enforcement—all areas where Portugal lags behind Northern European benchmarks.
For foreign residents, judicial efficiency also affects immigration appeals, property purchase disputes with developers, and employment contract enforcement—areas where lengthy proceedings can jeopardize visa status or financial security.
However, implementation depends on political will. Ventura's accusation that "vested interests" block progress echoes concerns from magistrates and court officials who cite lack of financial autonomy and resistance from entrenched bureaucracies.
European Context
Other EU member states have tackled similar backlogs through measures Portugal has yet to fully embrace. The European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ) recommends case management dashboards, mandatory mediation for certain disputes, and transferring non-judicial tasks from judges to administrative staff. Countries like Estonia and Lithuania have introduced e-filing systems that cut processing times by 30-40%, while France and Germany expanded alternative dispute resolution to keep minor civil cases out of courtrooms entirely.
Portugal's digitalization efforts remain partial. While criminal courts have adopted some electronic filing, civil and administrative jurisdictions still rely heavily on paper processes. The Government's proposed AI tools for document review face skepticism from judicial unions, who warn against automating decisions without human oversight.
Internal Party Dynamics
Chega's call for judicial reform comes as the party prepares for district leadership elections across 11 regions, including Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. Multiple contested races—particularly in Porto, where four candidates vie for control—reflect factional tensions within the party.
Control of district structures determines which factions hold leverage in coalition negotiations, making this weekend's elections a test of whether Ventura can present a unified bargaining position to Montenegro.
Ventura issued a directive last week barring Chega deputies and officials from publicly endorsing internal candidates, threatening disciplinary action for violations. The move aims to prevent public infighting that could undermine the party's image ahead of potential coalition talks with Montenegro's center-right Social Democratic Party (PSD).
One deputy, José Dotti from Santarém, recently had his parliamentary immunity lifted to face defamation charges stemming from intra-party disputes. Dotti, who is seeking re-election as district leader against three challengers, did not oppose the immunity waiver.
Separately, scammers have impersonated Ventura via WhatsApp, requesting donations up to €50,000—a scheme that also targeted the Prime Minister's office. Chega filed police complaints and urged recipients to block suspicious contacts.
Government's Next Move
The collapse of labor reform leaves the Cabinet searching for legislative wins before summer recess. Justice reforms offer a path forward: the PSD, Chega, and the Liberal Initiative (IL) together hold more than two-thirds of parliamentary seats, enough to amend the Constitution if they align.
Montenegro has signaled willingness to negotiate on judicial modernization but faces pressure from the Socialist Party (PS), which is running its own conference series on justice reform and positioning itself as a partner for "consensual and lasting" changes. The PS supported the anti-delay legislation but opposes more aggressive measures like asset seizures before conviction—a proposal Chega has endorsed.
For Portuguese residents, the political maneuvering translates to a simple question: will chronic court delays finally receive the same urgency as labor market tweaks? Ventura's gambit tests whether judicial reform can unite fractured coalitions where employment law divided them. The answer will shape not just legal calendars but economic confidence in a country still working to attract and retain international investment.
