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Portugal to Hold Snap Elections on May 18 After Government Collapse

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa dissolves parliament following no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, left, speaks with Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, second left, during a meeting of the council of state at the Belem presidential palace in Lisbon, Thursday, March 13, 2025, after Montenegro's government saw its motion of confidence defeated in parliament. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, second right, sits next to Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, left, during a meeting of the council of state at the Belem presidential palace in Lisbon, Thursday, March 13, 2025, after Montenegro's government saw its motion of confidence defeated in parliament. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, left, speaks with Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, right, during a meeting of the council of state at the Belem presidential palace in Lisbon, Thursday, March 13, 2025, after Montenegro's government saw its motion of confidence defeated in parliament. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro speaks to journalists at the Belem presidential palace in Lisbon, Thursday, March 13, 2025, when arriving for a meeting of the council of state called by Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa after Montenegro's government saw its motion of confidence defeated in parliament. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Overview

  • The early election marks Portugal's third national vote in just over three years, reflecting ongoing political instability.
  • Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's minority government fell after a no-confidence vote tied to allegations of conflict of interest involving his family's business dealings.
  • Montenegro denies wrongdoing and will lead the center-right Social Democratic Party in the upcoming election, with polls showing a tight race against the Socialist Party.
  • The far-right Chega party, while still polling third, has seen a slight decline in support, potentially affecting its role as a parliamentary kingmaker.
  • Voter fatigue is a significant concern as the elections occur during a busy electoral year, with regional, local, and presidential elections also scheduled.