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.

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.