PORTUGAL
Ombudsman (Provedor de Justica)

Constitution of the Portuguese Republic of 2 April 1976 (Third revision 1992) (excerpt)

Part 1. Fundamental rights and duties

Section 1. General princlples

(excerpt)

Article 23. Ombudsman

1. Citizens may present complaints concerning acts or omissions on the part of public bodies to the Ombudsman, who shall undertake a review, without power of decision, and shall make such recommendations to the competent organs as are necessary to prevent or make good injustice.

2. The actions of the Ombudsman shall be independent of any acts of grace or legal remedies provided for in this Constitution or the law.

3. The office of the Ombudsman shall be an independent organ; the Warden of Justice shall be appointed by the Assembly of the Republic.

4. The organs and personnel of the Public Service shall co-operate with the Ombudsman in the discharge of the Ombudsman's responsibilities.