Portuguese Prime Minister Montenegro Loses Confidence Vote, Triggering Government Collapse
The conservative minority government faces likely May elections following allegations of a conflict of interest involving the Prime Minister's family business.
- Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's minority government collapsed after losing a confidence vote in Portugal's parliament less than a year into its term.
- The confidence vote was prompted by allegations of a conflict of interest involving a family business that reportedly benefited from Montenegro's political position.
- The opposition, including the Socialist Party and far-right Chega, refused to support Montenegro, ensuring his defeat in the vote.
- President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is expected to call for new parliamentary elections, likely to be held in May, marking the third such election in three years.
- Despite economic stability with low unemployment and steady growth, the government faced mounting political pressure over the allegations and internal instability.