Leader of the Opposition (Portugal)

Due to its workings being based mostly on custom and convention, the leader of the opposition has a small official role, even though it is legally, honorifically, and nominally recognised. Law No. 40/2006, that establishes the order of precedence of public authorities in general official acts, places the leader of the opposition in eighth place in the list of precedences, only behind the President of the Republic, the legislative speaker, the sitting Prime Minister of Portugal, the presidents of the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court, the presidents of the Supreme Administrative Court and the Court of Auditors, former presidents of the Republic, and sitting government ministers.^[3]

Even though the leader of the opposition is not entitled to a specific salary aside from the one they may have by reason of holding a public office on their own – such as that of a member of parliament (MP) – the officeholder usually receives much more attention from the media in parliamentary sessions and activities, as well as being the first to question the Prime Minister in debates.^[4] It is not, however, required for a leader of the opposition to hold a seat in the Assembly of the Republic.^[5]