Portugal Fifth Empire 'unable to join faction'

[Vicar of Christ]

Portugal was in the Latin entente but a national focus made them leave. I thought our relation would be high enough to join back but despite modifier (700 for vs 20 against).

Is it something that happens when a country is able to create factions?

 

[Dlin369]

I think Fifth Empire Portugal has a special game rule preventing them from being in a faction. I think it’s because they get claims on basically all the majors, but also because the Fifth Empire has some sort of mythology surrounding it or something

 

[Vicar of Christ]

Even if I puppet it by force?

 

[Vicar of Christ]

If I start a new game and puppet portugal pre-emprively, would they be able to break away by taking the 'Fifth Empire' national focus? It doesn't seem anything preventing them to do it.