Portugal’s centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD), led by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, has won the country’s third parliamentary election in as many years, but once again failed to secure a majority, setting the stage for further political uncertainty.
With all domestic votes counted, the AD secured 89 seats in the 230-seat parliament—nine more than its previous tally, yet still well short of the 116 needed for a majority.
Addressing supporters in Lisbon, Montenegro framed the result as a renewed mandate despite lacking a majority:
“The Portuguese don’t want any more snap elections, they want a four-year legislature,” he said, while his backers chanted “Let Luis work,” his campaign slogan.
The election, triggered after Montenegro's minority government lost a vote of confidence in March, marked another chapter in Portugal’s turbulent political cycle. The confidence vote was prompted by allegations regarding Montenegro’s ties to his family’s consultancy firm - accusations he has denied.
Chega Surges, Socialists Weaken
The far-right Chega party, led by Andre Ventura, surged to a historic 58 seats, matching the tally of the once-dominant Socialist Party (PS), which fell from 78 seats. The Socialists’ sharp decline led Pedro Nuno Santos to announce his resignation as party leader.
Overseas votes—still to be counted—could elevate Chega into second place, marking the first time in nearly four decades the Socialists might not finish in the top two.
“We didn’t win this election, but we’ve made history,” Ventura declared, as jubilant supporters cheered. Chega has notably made inroads in traditional left-leaning areas, including the southern Beja district.
Coalition Conundrum
Montenegro has ruled out any coalition with Chega, citing stark ideological differences. Without Chega’s support, AD will need to negotiate support on a case-by-case basis or form a rare grand coalition with the Socialists, a move some analysts suggest might be necessary to ensure stability.
“Bipartisanship is over,” said political scientist Adelino Maltez, urging mainstream parties to consider cooperation to avoid further political gridlock.
Implications for Governance
Despite strong economic performance in recent years—marked by solid growth, budget surpluses, and falling debt—Portugal’s political landscape remains fragile. Continued instability could delay major reforms and projects, such as the privatization of TAP Air Portugal and expansion of lithium mining in the north.
Public concern remains high.
“I fear more uncertainty ahead,” said Irene Medeiros, 77, outside a polling station in Espinho. “We’ve seen this before, and we may see it again.”
As Portugal waits for overseas ballots and coalition negotiations to unfold, its political future remains uncertain—even as the electorate sends a clear message: no party can go it alone.
Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal to their second UEFA Nations League title in dramatic fashion on Sunday, scoring a crucial equaliser and watching from the sidelines as his side triumphed 5-3 on penalties against Spain after a pulsating 2-2 draw in Munich.
Experts say there is no proof a renewable energy experiment led to the widespread blackout across the Iberian Peninsula in April, as investigations point to a complex grid failure with no single identified cause.
Portuguese prosecutors have opened an investigation into far-right politician Andre Ventura after he made controversial pre-election remarks targeting the Roma community.
Portugal's ruling centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD), led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, is on track to win the most votes in Sunday’s snap parliamentary election—but likely without securing a governing majority, according to exit polls.
Portuguese citizens headed to the polls on Sunday for the third parliamentary election in three years, amidst concerns of continued political uncertainty and the likelihood of another minority government.
Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal to their second UEFA Nations League title in dramatic fashion on Sunday, scoring a crucial equaliser and watching from the sidelines as his side triumphed 5-3 on penalties against Spain after a pulsating 2-2 draw in Munich.
A year after unveiling its bold AI strategy, Apple finds itself in an unexpected place — not at the forefront, but falling behind. As rivals accelerate, Apple stands at a crossroads.
Donald Trump’s missile defence plan, called the Golden Dome, is set to become one of the most expensive military projects in U.S. history. Let’s take a look at how it has become a reason of rivalry, between Silicon Valley’s tech disruptors and America’s traditional defence giants.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has condemned U.S. immigration raids and National Guard deployment in Los Angeles, calling for reforms instead of enforcement.
Ukraine says a new prisoner exchange with Russia involving 1,000 troops from each side will begin next week.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 8th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay is in critical condition after being shot three times — including twice in the head — during a campaign event in Bogotá.
A 30-year-old woman was shot by police in Munich on Saturday evening after stabbing two people at Theresienwiese, a central park best known for hosting Oktoberfest.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has confirmed it carried out a third targeted attack against the Crimean Bridge, also known as the Kerch Bridge, early Tuesday morning, marking a new escalation in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Kazakhstan and the UK are strengthening defense ties with a new Military Cooperation Plan, focusing on peacekeeping and military education.
Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal to their second UEFA Nations League title in dramatic fashion on Sunday, scoring a crucial equaliser and watching from the sidelines as his side triumphed 5-3 on penalties against Spain after a pulsating 2-2 draw in Munich.
A year after unveiling its bold AI strategy, Apple finds itself in an unexpected place — not at the forefront, but falling behind. As rivals accelerate, Apple stands at a crossroads.
Donald Trump’s missile defence plan, called the Golden Dome, is set to become one of the most expensive military projects in U.S. history. Let’s take a look at how it has become a reason of rivalry, between Silicon Valley’s tech disruptors and America’s traditional defence giants.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has condemned U.S. immigration raids and National Guard deployment in Los Angeles, calling for reforms instead of enforcement.
Ukraine says a new prisoner exchange with Russia involving 1,000 troops from each side will begin next week.
Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal to their second UEFA Nations League title in dramatic fashion on Sunday, scoring a crucial equaliser and watching from the sidelines as his side triumphed 5-3 on penalties against Spain after a pulsating 2-2 draw in Munich.
A year after unveiling its bold AI strategy, Apple finds itself in an unexpected place — not at the forefront, but falling behind. As rivals accelerate, Apple stands at a crossroads.
Donald Trump’s missile defence plan, called the Golden Dome, is set to become one of the most expensive military projects in U.S. history. Let’s take a look at how it has become a reason of rivalry, between Silicon Valley’s tech disruptors and America’s traditional defence giants.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has condemned U.S. immigration raids and National Guard deployment in Los Angeles, calling for reforms instead of enforcement.
Ukraine says a new prisoner exchange with Russia involving 1,000 troops from each side will begin next week.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment