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3d ago

Portugal’s President Picks Montenegro to Lead Minority Government as Chega Becomes Main Opposition

The invitation comes following the May snap election that left the Democratic Alliance short of a majority

Volunteers register envelopes from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which contain votes for Portugal's May 18 general election, on the final day of counting of ballots from voters who live abroad, in Lisbon, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
Leader of Portugal's far-right political party Chega Andre Ventura and Chega lawmaker Marta Silva meet Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa (not pictured), at Belem Palace, following the general elections in Lisbon, Portugal, May 20, 2025. REUTERS/Rodrigo Antunes/File Photo
Luis Montenegro, Social Democratic Party (PSD) and Democratic Alliance (AD) leader, meets with Portugal President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at Belem Palace, following the final results of the general elections in Lisbon, Portugal, May 29, 2025. REUTERS/Pedro Nunes
Boxes which arrived from New York and Boston containing votes for Portugal's May 18 general election are stacked on a desk where volunteers are registering them on the final day of counting of ballots from voters who live abroad, in Lisbon, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Overview

  • President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa named Luis Montenegro to form his second minority government after consulting the leaders of the main parties.
  • In the May 18 election the centre-right Democratic Alliance won 91 of 230 seats, falling short of the 116 needed for a majority.
  • Far-right Chega secured 60 seats to overtake the Socialist Party’s 58 and assume the official opposition role for the first time.
  • Montenegro has ruled out cooperation with Chega; Chega leader André Ventura has vowed to lead a responsible opposition.
  • Chega’s surge reflects widespread dissatisfaction with mainstream parties and parallels far-right advances elsewhere in Europe.