Parliament lifts JPP MP Filipe Sousa’s immunity

Portugal’s parliament lifted the immunity of Juntos Pelo Povo MP Filipe Sousa on 21 October. The decision concerns proceedings over a suspected improper benefit connected with his former role as mayor of Santa Cruz.

According to the Lusa report published by DNOTICIAS.PT, prosecutors allege that a €1,618.96 charge for a 28-day car rental in 2025 was waived because of his public position.

That is an allegation by the prosecution, rather than a final judicial finding. The request relates the transaction to Sousa’s 2021–25 mayoral term.

Sousa says his mayoral mandate was suspended at the time and that he holds documents proving payment. He rejects the allegation and describes the proceedings as politically motivated.

Lifting immunity does not establish guilt or constitute a conviction. Parliament’s procedural decision is separate from the assessment of the facts and defence by the criminal justice authorities.

The report says Socialist MP Pedro Delgado Alves abstained while the remaining MPs supported lifting immunity. The Madeira court’s request concerns an alleged offence carrying a potential prison term of one to five years.

The reported rental agreement was made on 10 February 2025, with the vehicle returned on 10 March. The factual dispute centres on the prosecution’s allegation that the charge was waived and Sousa’s assertion that payment records prove otherwise. Parliament’s vote contains no judgment on those documents.