The resolutions - which do not have the force of law, constituting recommendations to the executive - were approved with different votes: Chega's had votes against from IL, Livre, PCP and BE, and abstentions from PSD, CDS and PAN. The PS recommendation had abstentions from PSD, CDS, PCP, BE and PAN.

Future discussion

The initiatives now go to the National Defence committee for discussion, where other projects on the same topic are also on the agenda, including two from PSD and CDS that propose creating a civic-military volunteering program aimed at attracting young people to the Armed Forces, which was approved last week.

The Chega party's draft resolution recommends that the government transform National Defence Day into National Defence Week, lasting at least five working days, and allow for the "military inspection" of those called up.

Current model insufficient

The Chega Parliamentary Group argues that "notwithstanding the recognised merit" of the current initiative, "the current model is manifestly insufficient in the face of the demands and dangers of the current international security context."

"This format, lasting only one day, does not allow for any type of training or the carrying out of activities that truly prepare young people minimally for the challenges we face today and for the uncertainties of the future. Therefore, a profound reformulation of this model is necessary," the draft argues.

National Defence Week

The party led by André Ventura proposes the establishment of a National Defence Week, "lasting at least five working days," which "will not only allow for a significant expansion of informational areas (including topics such as cybersecurity, civil protection, and awareness of hybrid threats), but also for the military inspection of the citizens called up."

The PS project recommends that the government evaluate the current format of National Defence Day and study new models for voluntary recruitment into the Armed Forces.

Requests from the Socialists

The Socialist caucus suggests that the PSD/CDS-PP executive conduct a "comprehensive and up-to-date" study on National Defence Day, which includes "a diagnosis of the functioning of the current model" and an assessment of its impact on recruitment into the military ranks.

The Socialist Party also wants this study to include a "comparative analysis with models adopted by other allied countries," the identification of "limitations and opportunities for improvement," and alternative or complementary solutions and models, "notably short-term programs, flexible participation regimes, or other forms of civic-military involvement."

The Socialist caucus also wants the executive to study, in partnership with the military branches, "the creation of pilot projects for short-term programs or flexible modalities of service in the Armed Forces, on a voluntary basis, evaluating their impact on recruitment and the attractiveness of a military career."

Compulsory Military Service (SMO) was abolished in Portugal in 2004.

Currently, National Defence Day (DDN) is a mandatory initiative for citizens aged 18 and over that aims to raise awareness among young citizens about Defence and to publicise the role of the Armed Forces through various activities.