Abstract

The constitutional limitation on the dissolution of the Chambers by the President of the Republic in the last six months of their term, known as the “white semesterµ, has been a constant feature of the republican experience. The “white semesterµ was introduced to prevent potential abuses by the President with the aim of favouring their own re-election. In practice, however, dissolutions have always occurred in full compliance with the Constitution. Furthermore, the re-election of the Head of State, which was considered impractical until ten years ago, has occurred twice, in 2013 and in 2022. This issue, therefore, deserves further exploration to formulate a reform proposal.