ULusófona marks 200 years of Constitutional Charter and 50 of Constitution

On 28 October, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, the Conference Series “Moderate Liberalism (1826) and Modern Constitutionalism (1976)” took place at Campus 3 of Lusófona University - Porto University Centre. The initiative, organised by the Faculty of Law and Political Science (FDCP), was coordinated by the Centre for Advanced Studies (CEAD), through its research area “State, International Society and Human Action”, under the coordination of Professor Rui Albuquerque.

With a nationwide and decentralised scope, the event took place in Lisbon, Porto and Portimão, marking two fundamental milestones in Portuguese constitutionalism: the 200th anniversary of the Constitutional Charter of 1826 and the 50th anniversary of the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic of 1976. It aimed to reflect on the country's constitutional evolution, from moderate liberalism to the consolidation of democracy, addressing the constitutional challenges of the present and the future.

The conference brought together experts and academics specialising in Portuguese constitutionalism, including José de Faria Costa, Dean of the FDCP, Vital Moreira, José Domingues, Amândio de Azevedo, João Pacheco de Amorim, Sílvia Mangerona and Lígia Abreu. The discussions addressed the 1976 constituent process, constitutional developments over five decades, the impact of the Constitution on the consolidation of democracy and the Portuguese economic system, and future perspectives on national constitutionalism.

In an interview during the event, Vital Moreira, one of the country's most influential legal scholars and politicians, highlighted the importance of commemorating both Constitutions together. As he explained, beyond being significant anniversaries — “200 years, 50 years” — they share a fundamental historical characteristic: “they have stood the test of time”. Their longevity invites reflection on the factors that have ensured their stability and continuity.

Regarding the legacy of the liberalism of 1826 in the current Constitution, he highlighted the role of the Constitutional Charter in consolidating individual freedoms, electoral competition and parliamentary representation, as well as the importance of the moderating power which, despite having different responsibilities, has a counterpart in the role of the President of the Republic. In the jurist's view, the Constitutional Charter left a fundamental legacy of political freedom, institutional balance and stability that remains present in contemporary constitutionalism.

The conference series thus reaffirmed Lusófona University's commitment to promoting academic debate and critical thinking, as well as its role as a meeting point for knowledge, history and reflection on the future of Portuguese constitutionalism.

View the event photographs on Lusófona University's Facebook page

Credits

Text, Video Editing and Photography
Sara Tello

Event Coverage
Gabriel Motta
Sara Tello