Despite not seeing any unconstitutional norm in the Mais Habitação legislative package, the President of the Republic has chosen to veto the diploma that came from the Government and that was approved by the Assembly of the Republic. In this way, the legislation – which is the target of harsh criticism by the Head of State – is returned to Parliament, where the PS has a majority, and may undergo further adjustments within a month.

“The President of the Republic returned to the Assembly of the Republic, without promulgation, the Decree approving measures in the field of housing”, reads a statement on the Presidency's website.

Marcelo writes an extensive note about the reasons that led him to make the decision. “As early as March 9th, I commented on the risks of an overly optimistic speech, of high expectations for the deadline, the means and the administrative machinery available and, therefore, of possible unrealism in the projected results”, it reads. And, even with the changes introduced by the PS in Parliament, “six months later, the present diploma, unfortunately, confirms these risks”, underlines the Head of State, who lists eight risks and criticisms of the diploma that arrived in Belém.

This is the 28th time that the President of the Republic has used the power of veto. Since arriving in Belém, Marcelo has already vetoed 28 diplomas, of which five focused on Government decrees and 23 on legislation by the Assembly of the Republic. It was in 2018 and 2020 that more diplomas were failed: six in each year.

The More Housing legislative package, which underwent many changes compared to the initial documents, was approved by Parliament on July 19, with only a favourable vote from the PS. PSD, BE, PCP, Iniciativa Liberal and Chega voted against. Livre and PAN abstained.