Portugal's Center-Right Wins Election, Faces Far-Right Challenge

Luis Montenegro to lead minority government as Chega party seeks influence, rejecting formal coalition.

A center-right alliance led by the Social Democratic Party has narrowly won Portugal's general election, setting the stage for Luis Montenegro to form a minority government.
The far-right Chega party, having surged in parliamentary representation, seeks a role in governance, demanding either cabinet positions or a parliamentary alliance.
Montenegro has so far rejected any formal agreement with Chega, aiming to govern alone amid potential legislative challenges.
The new government will be sworn in on April 2, and must present its policy proposals to Parliament, where it could face opposition from Chega on key votes like the state budget.
The election results reflect a broader European trend of rising support for populist and far-right parties, with Chega's platform including controversial proposals like chemical castration for some sex offenders.