Portuguese Government Falls After No-Confidence Vote, Early Elections Likely

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro faces political turmoil over conflict of interest allegations as the president considers dissolving parliament.

The Portuguese parliament rejected a vote of confidence in Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's center-right government, forcing its collapse after just a year in power.
Allegations of a conflict of interest surrounding a company owned by Montenegro's family played a central role in the political crisis.
The president of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, will consult political parties and the Council of State before deciding whether to call early elections, tentatively expected in May if confirmed.
This marks the third political crisis in Portugal since 2022, highlighting ongoing instability and voter fatigue in the country.
The far-right party Chega, which gained significant traction in 2024, continues to disrupt traditional party dynamics, raising concerns about its growing influence.