Image: from GNR – Guarda Nacional Republicana X @GNRepublicana
By Open Chronicle
PORTALEGRE, Portugal, June 26, 2026, A total of 652 recruits of the Portuguese National Republican Guard (GNR) officially swore their oath of allegiance on Friday during a ceremony held at the Municipal Stadium of Portalegre, marking a significant milestone in their entry into one of Portugal’s principal security forces.
The event combined the Oath of Allegiance Ceremony for the 58th GNR Guards Training Course with celebrations marking the 33rd Day of the GNR School, bringing together government officials, military leaders, local authorities, and hundreds of family members.
The ceremony’s central moment saw 652 provisional guards, comprising 577 men and 75 women, pledge loyalty to Portugal and to the GNR after the formal reading of the Guard’s Military Duties.
Senior government officials attend the ceremony
The event was attended by Minister of Internal Administration Luís Neves, Portalegre Mayor Fermelinda Pombo Carvalho, Secretary of State for Internal Administration Paulo Simões Ribeiro, and GNR Commander General Rui Alberto Ribeiro Veloso.
Numerous civil, military, and religious representatives also took part in the ceremony, highlighting the importance of the occasion for both the institution and the local community.
Family members filled the stadium to witness the recruits formally begin their service following months of intensive training.
Portalegre remains a cornerstone of GNR training
The GNR Training Centre in Portalegre has played a central role in preparing new members of the force for decades.
Over the past 40 years, the academy has trained more than 20,000 guards, making it one of Portugal’s most important institutions for law enforcement education.
The training program prepares recruits for a wide range of operational duties, including public security, road policing, criminal investigation support, border protection, and emergency response.
Strengthening Portugal’s security forces
The graduation of another class of guards comes as Portugal continues investing in public security and reinforcing the operational capacity of the GNR across the country.
Following the oath ceremony, the newly sworn guards are expected to complete the final stages of their professional preparation before being assigned to units throughout Portugal.
The event also served as a celebration of the GNR School’s continued contribution to developing highly trained personnel dedicated to serving and protecting Portuguese society.