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9h ago

Portugal Faces Continued Political Instability After Third Election in Three Years

The ruling Democratic Alliance wins the most votes but falls short of a majority, while far-right Chega surges to a record share of seats.

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LISBON, PORTUGAL - APRIL 23: Far-right Chega Party president and MP André Ventura displays "Salvar Portugal" (Save Portugal) book after the presentation of Chega Electoral Program for next parliamentary election on April 23, 2025, in Lisbon, Portugal. Portugal faces on May 18 a third general election in just over three years as Parliament rejected a motion of confidence asked by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro after the opposition questioned his integrity over the dealings of a consultancy firm he founded, which is now run by his sons. (Photo by Horacio Villalobos#Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Supporters gather at a rally held by Andre Ventura, leader of Portugal's far-right political party Chega, on the final day of campaigning, ahead of Portugal's general election, in Lisbon, Portugal, May 16, 2025. REUTERS/Rodrigo Antunes/File Photo
Incumbent Prime Minister and leader of the center-right Social Democratic Party Luis Montenegro gestures to supporters during an election campaign action in downtown Lisbon, Friday, May 16, 2025, ahead of the May 18 general election. (AP Photo/Ana Brigida)

Overview

  • Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's Democratic Alliance (AD) secured 32.7% of the vote, gaining 89 seats but failing to achieve the 116-seat majority needed to govern outright.
  • The far-right Chega party surged to a record 22.6% of the vote, matching the Socialist Party at 58 seats, solidifying its position as a major political force.
  • Montenegro has ruled out forming a coalition with Chega, leaving the AD likely to pursue another minority government or limited alliances with smaller parties like the Liberal Initiative (IL).
  • The election was triggered by Montenegro’s loss of a confidence vote in March, tied to allegations of conflicts of interest involving his family’s consultancy firm, which he denies.
  • Key campaign issues included immigration and housing, with the AD toughening immigration policies and announcing the expulsion of 18,000 irregular migrants, a move criticized as catering to far-right voters.