The President of the Assembly of the Republic directs and coordinates the work of the Assembly and oversees its administration, and the services and security forces that work for it. He/she is the acting substitute of the President of the Republic in the event of temporary absence, or if the position should become vacant before the next elected President takes over.
The President of the Assembly of the Republic is elected by an absolute majority of the Members of Parliament at the legislative assembly’s first plenary meeting. The mandate is of the same length (four years).
Amongst the President of the Assembly of the Republic’s countless competences, we highlight representing the Assembly domestically and internationally, presiding over meetings, the Standing Committee, the Leaders Conference, and the Conference of the Presidents of the Parliamentary Committees. It is also his/her responsibility to program the plenary meetings and to determine their corresponding agendas, having received input from the Leaders Conference. The President of the Assembly of the Republic does not usually take part in votes cast during the plenary assemblies, but may do so should he/she wish. To sum up, the President of the Assembly of the Republic is responsible for guaranteeing compliance with the Assembly’s Rules of Procedure and decisions, and for watching over the parliamentary work at the different levels.
The President of the Assembly of the Republic is automatically a member of the Council of State and occupies second place in the State Order of Protocol. An official residence is available, adjacent to the São Bento Palace.