Parliament extends the discussion on the Nationality Law until September.

The PSD has reversed its position and agreed to extend discussions on the Nationality Law until the end of July.

The decision was made this morning, September 9th, during a meeting of the Committee on Rights, Freedoms, and Guarantees. As part of the agreement, the party consented to holding hearings with experts, on the condition that the process does not go beyond the third week of September.

ccording to Social Democratic MP António Rodrigues, the aim is to resolve the issue before the State Budget debate begins in early October. The discussions within the committee have been intense, mirroring the heated tone of last Friday’s plenary session.

The government had initially intended to conclude the matter by the end of this month, ahead of the August parliamentary recess. However, Diário de Notícias understands that the PSD's change of stance may have been influenced by concerns that the proposal could be deemed unconstitutional.

Since the announcement of the proposed legislative changes, legal experts and constitutional scholars have voiced a range of opinions. Among them is constitutionalist Jorge Miranda, a former PSD deputy.

On Tuesday, the President of the Assembly of the Republic, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, reiterated his concerns regarding the government's proposed changes to the Nationality Law. He emphasized the need to carefully consider the possible constitutional implications—particularly the retroactive application of the law—during the article-by-article discussion phase.

The list of individuals and organizations to be consulted, either through hearings or written submissions, has yet to be finalized.