The 12th Portuguese Assembly shall commence on the first day of the month following the general elections, and shall last for a period of four years, unless dissolved earlier by the President of the Republic. The Assembly shall be composed of members elected by the people, through a system of proportional representation. The number of members shall be determined by law, and shall not exceed two hundred and thirty. The members shall represent the entire nation, and not just their respective constituencies.
Plain language: The 12th Portuguese Assembly starts after elections and lasts 4 years, unless the President ends it sooner. Members are elected to represent the people.
The 12th Portuguese Assembly shall have the power to make laws, approve the state budget, and exercise parliamentary oversight over the Government. The Assembly shall also have the power to approve or reject international agreements, and to authorize the declaration of war. The Assembly shall be presided over by a President, who shall be elected by the members of the Assembly. The President shall ensure the orderly functioning of the Assembly, and shall be responsible for maintaining order and discipline.
Plain language: The Assembly has the power to make laws, control the budget, and oversee the Government. It also approves international agreements and decides on war.
The members of the 12th Portuguese Assembly shall be immune from prosecution for opinions expressed and votes cast in the exercise of their functions. However, this immunity shall not apply in cases of defamation or insult, and the member shall be liable for any damages caused. The members shall also be subject to a code of conduct, which shall be established by the Assembly, and shall be responsible for upholding the dignity and integrity of the Assembly.
Plain language: Assembly members are protected from being sued for what they say or vote on, but not for defamation or insults. They must follow a code of conduct.
The 12th Portuguese Assembly shall have the power to establish committees and commissions to examine and report on matters of public interest. These committees and commissions shall be composed of members of the Assembly, and shall have the power to summon witnesses and experts to testify. The committees and commissions shall also have the power to conduct investigations and gather evidence, and shall report their findings to the Assembly.
Plain language: The Assembly can create committees to investigate important issues and gather information. These committees can call witnesses and experts to help with their work.
The 12th Portuguese Assembly shall be dissolved by the President of the Republic, in cases of grave crisis or instability, or when the Assembly is unable to function. The dissolution of the Assembly shall be subject to the approval of the Constitutional Court, and shall be followed by new elections within a period of sixty days. The dissolution of the Assembly shall not affect the validity of laws and decisions made by the Assembly prior to its dissolution.
Plain language: The President can end the Assembly in a crisis, but new elections must happen within 60 days. Laws made before the end of the Assembly are still valid.