In a closely contested general election in Portugal, a center-right alliance led by the Social Democratic Party emerged victorious, securing 80 seats in the 230-seat National Assembly. The center-left Socialist Party came in second with 78 seats, paving the way for the Democratic Alliance to form a minority government.
The hard-right Chega party made significant gains, securing 50 seats, up from 12 in the previous election. This surge in support has disrupted the traditional political landscape in Portugal, where power has historically alternated between the Social Democrats and Socialists.
Chega leader Andre Ventura is now pushing for a role in governing the country, either through Cabinet seats or a parliamentary alliance with the Democratic Alliance. However, the incoming Prime Minister, Luis Montenegro, has so far rejected any potential deal with the populist party.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has invited Montenegro to form a government, with the new administration expected to take office on April 2. The government will need approval from a majority of lawmakers to begin its work, a task made challenging by the need to navigate a minority government.
Ventura has threatened to disrupt key votes, such as the state budget, if his demands are not met. Despite his controversial proposals, including chemical castration for some sex offenders, Ventura has indicated a willingness to compromise to gain access to power.
The election was influenced by recent corruption scandals involving the mainstream parties, as well as economic challenges such as low wages, a high cost of living, a housing crisis, and deficiencies in public healthcare. These factors contributed to a sense of disillusionment with the established political parties among the Portuguese electorate.
