Overview

• Portugal's Democratic Alliance (AD), led by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, won 32.7% of the vote in the May 18 election but failed to achieve the 42% needed for a parliamentary majority.
• This marks Portugal's third general election in three years, following the collapse of the previous AD minority government over a confidence vote tied to corruption allegations.
• The far-right Chega party saw a significant rise in support, securing 22.6% of the vote and challenging the Socialist Party for second place in parliament.
• Key campaign issues included Portugal's housing crisis and immigration policy, with the outgoing government controversially expelling 18,000 undocumented immigrants ahead of the election.
• The AD is expected to form another minority government or seek a coalition, but political fragmentation raises doubts about long-term stability.