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Lisbon Parliament
The Lisbon Parliament or the Assembleia da Republica has political, legislative and supervisory duties and it may legislate about all matters except those referring to the Government.
The Portuguese Parliament, a rare example of the unicameral system, is the representative assembly of all Portuguese citizens. Composed of 230 deputies, the Lisbon Parliament meets at the Palace of the National Assembly (Palacio da Assembleia Nacional), which also houses the National Archives. A parliamentary year (Legislative Session) begins on 15 September.
Any Portuguese citizen over 18 may be a Deputy in the Lisbon Parliament. Deputies are elected for four years from the lists presented by parties in the electoral constituency.
The Lisbon Parliament is the only authority to decide on matters like the basic structure of education and national defense, elections, political parties, the State Budget and referendum. The Portuguese President is sworn in before the Lisbon Parliament and he may not leave the country without the consent of the Lisbon Parliament, except for private visits, but no more than five days. |
