António José Seguro wins Portugal presidential runoff against far right

Centre-left António José Seguro secured a landslide win in Portugal’s presidential runoff, defeating far-right rival Andre Ventura and becoming the country’s first Socialist head of state in 20 years.

Seguro begins a five-year term, succeeding conservative Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa after his two terms in office.

Several prominent conservative figures backed him after the first round, as concerns grew over André Ventura and what many consider his populist and authoritarian tendencies.

Speaking to reporters, Seguro said, "The response the Portuguese people gave today, their commitment to freedom, democracy, and the future of our country, leaves me naturally moved and proud of our nation."

Turnout withstands severe storms

The turnout remained similar to the 18 January first round despite a series of storms that swept through Portugal in recent days.

Some small municipalities were forced to delay voting by a week due to floods.

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With 95% of votes counted, Seguro held 66% while Ventura stood at 34%, a stronger showing than the 22.8% secured by his party, Chega, in last year’s general election.

Exit polls placed Seguro between 67% and 73% and Ventura between 27% and 33%, as ballot counting continued in major cities such as Lisbon and Porto.

Ventura claims leadership of the right

Last year, Chega became the second-largest parliamentary force, overtaking the Socialists and sitting behind the centre-right governing alliance, which won 31.2%.

After casting his vote and attending a Catholic mass in central Lisbon, Ventura told reporters, "The entire political system, across both right and left, united against me. Even so... I believe the leadership of the right has been defined and secured today. I expect to lead that political space from this day forward."

Ceremonial role with powerful leverage

Although Portugal’s presidency is largely symbolic, it grants the authority to dissolve parliament and block legislation in defined circumstances.

Analysts say the backing Seguro received from conservatives, combined with Ventura’s rejection rate of around two-thirds of the electorate, could mean that even if Chega were to top a future general election, a centrist alignment might still prevent it from governing.

Seguro sets limits on labour reform bill

Throughout his campaign, Seguro presented himself as a defender of democratic values and a representative of a "modern and moderate" left capable of mediating political crises.

He warned he would not enact the minority government’s proposed labour reform unless unions agreed, saying it could weaken workers’ rights.

The government maintains the overhaul is essential to boosting productivity and supporting long-term economic growth.

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Portugal elections Presidential elections Antonio Jose Seguro