Report by Humayun Kabir from Lisbon Portugal .
Portugal’s governing right-of-centre Democratic Alliance has won snap parliamentary elections – the third in as many years – again falling short of a majority. On the other hand, the center-left Socialists and the far-right Chega are in close second place.
The election, the third in as many years, was called one year into an AD minority government’s term after Prime Minister Luis Montenegro failed to win a vote of confidence in March when the opposition questioned his integrity over dealings of his family’s consultancy firm.
In Portugal’s third snap election in as many years, the centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD), led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, secured a plurality but fell short of an outright majority. The AD garnered 32.72% of the vote, translating to 89 seats in the 230-seat parliament.
The Socialist Party (PS) suffered a significant setback, obtaining 23.38% of the vote and 58 seats—a historic low for the party. Notably, the far-right Chega party matched the PS with 58 seats, marking a substantial gain from their previous standing.
The election results underscore a fragmented political landscape, with no single party or clear coalition achieving a majority. Montenegro has reiterated his refusal to form an alliance with Chega, citing ideological differences.
The political instability follows a recent confidence vote loss by Montenegro’s government, triggered by allegations of conflicts of interest involving his family’s law firm. This development led to the dissolution of parliament and the call for early elections.
As Portugal navigates this period of uncertainty, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is expected to consult with political parties to determine the path forward. The possibility of another minority government looms, raising concerns about the nation’s ability to address pressing issues such as housing, immigration, and economic challenges.
