Under the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic, a state of emergency cannot last more than 15 days, though it can be renewed, and gives the authorities the power to take the necessary and appropriate measures for the prompt restoration of constitutional normality.

The current state of emergency will last 15 days, from midnight 19 March until 23.59 on 2 April, and may be renewed.

The declaration of a state of emergency determines the partial suspension of the following rights:

• the right to travel and settle in any part of the national territory;
• property and private economic initiative;
• workers’ rights;
• international movement;
• right of assembly and demonstration;
• freedom of worship, in its collective dimension; and
• right of resistance.

Under the terms of the law, the Government is responsible for implementing the declaration of a state of emergency and will keep the President of the Republic and the Assembly of the Republic informed of its actions.

During the state of emergency, the authorities are responsible for taking the necessary and appropriate measures, plus measures for the prompt restoration of normality.

The Government’s determination to implement the restrictions imposed on the rights listed above, arising from their partial suspension is awaited. The limitations imposed on each of the rights above will be based on the Government’s determinations which are not yet known in detail.