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Portugal Faces Third Election in Three Years as Government Falls

Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's minority government collapses following a confidence vote over conflict-of-interest allegations.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro sits after his speech during a debate preceding a confidence motion vote at the Portuguese parliament in Lisbon, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
People walk past a graffiti saying "Montenegro Out", referring to Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, the day before his government faces a confidence vote in parliament, in Lisbon, Monday, March 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Members of the Portuguese parliament take their seats at the start of a debate preceding the vote on a confidence motion concerning Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro in Lisbon, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
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Overview

  • Portugal's parliament voted 142-88 to reject a confidence motion, forcing the resignation of Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's government after less than a year in office.
  • The controversy centers on Spinumviva, a consultancy founded by Montenegro and later transferred to his family, which has contracts with companies holding government concessions.
  • President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is expected to dissolve parliament and call a snap election, likely to take place on May 11 or 18, pending consultations with political leaders and the Council of State.
  • This marks Portugal's third general election since 2022, reflecting ongoing political instability and voter fatigue in the country.
  • Opinion polls suggest little change in party standings, with no clear majority expected, potentially prolonging the political deadlock.