The Vice-Prosecutor General («Vice-Procurador-Geral da República») assists and substitutes the Prosecutor General [1] [article 13(1) of the Statute of the Public Prosecution Service/SPPS], being appointed — upon the Prosecutor General’s proposal — from among members of the Public Prosecution Service/Public Prosecutors ranked as deputy prosecutors general [2] [articles 129(1), (2) and 125(2) of the SPPS].

The Vice-Prosecutor General takes office before the Prosecutor General [article 142(b) of the SPPS], and his or her duties cease when a new Prosecutor General takes office [article 129(4) of the SPPS].

In case of absence or impediment the Vice-Prosecutor General is substituted by a deputy prosecutor general designated to that end by the Prosecutor General. Should there be no designation; the Vice-Prosecutor General is substituted by the most senior of the deputy prosecutors general holding office in Lisbon [article 14 of the SPPS].

The Vice-Prosecutor General is granted the same rank, treatment and honours as those of the Justices of the Supreme Court of Justice, and s/he uses the same professional attire [article 90(2) of the SPPS].

The office has been held by Justice Adriano Fraxenet de Chuquere Gonçalves da Cunha since 23 October 2012.