Overview
- RTP–Universidade Católica and ICS/SCTE/GFK/Pitagórica projections show Seguro at roughly 30–35% with Ventura on about 19–24%, keeping both short of an outright majority.
- Polling places liberal João Cotrim de Figueiredo near 16–21%, independent ex–navy chief Henrique Gouveia e Melo at 11–14%, and PSD’s Luís Marques Mendes at 8–11%.
- A record 11 candidates crowded the first round, making a same-day victory unlikely and setting up the second round on Feb. 8.
- Ventura’s Chega has surged to become Portugal’s second-largest parliamentary force, elevating anti‑immigration themes throughout the campaign.
- The presidency remains influential through veto and dissolution powers, with contentious legislation such as a euthanasia measure potentially landing on the next president’s desk.