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2mo ago

Portugal’s Center-Right Secures Minority Government as Far-Right Gains Momentum

Prime Minister Luis Montenegro begins coalition talks after AD wins 89 seats, while Chega’s record performance reshapes political landscape.

Portugal's Social Democratic Party (PSD) and Democratic Alliance (AD) leader Luis Montenegro speaks following the exit polls, at his electoral night headquarters, in Lisbon, Portugal | Reuters/Violeta Santos Moura
Supporters of the populist right-wing party Chega wear masks of its leader, Andre Ventura, during an election campaign rally in downtown Lisbon on May 16, 2025, ahead of the May 18 general election.

Overview

  • The Democratic Alliance (AD) won 89 of 230 parliamentary seats in Portugal’s snap election, falling short of a majority for stable governance.
  • The far-right Chega party achieved its best result to date, securing 58 seats and 22.6% of the vote, positioning itself as a key power broker.
  • The Socialist Party suffered heavy losses, dropping from 78 to 58 seats, prompting leader Pedro Nuno Santos to resign immediately after the results.
  • Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has ruled out a formal coalition with Chega but has initiated exploratory talks to secure legislative support for his minority government.
  • Political instability continues to pose risks to reforms, EU fund deployment, and major projects like lithium mining and TAP airline privatization.