Portuguese Prime Minister Luiz Montenegro. Photo: Armando Franca / AP
The centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD), led by Luiz Montenegro, wins early parliamentary elections in Portugal, the third in three years. However, the prospect of a stable government is once again under threat, RTP reports.
With an estimated 77% of the vote, AD received more than 36% of the support, according to state broadcaster RTP. This gives the alliance a formal advantage, but does not guarantee a majority.
In second place is the far-right Chega (“Enough”) party, which gained over 23%. But AD leader Luis Montenegro has already made it clear: “There will be no agreements with Chega.”
The Socialist Party, which has dominated Portuguese politics in recent years, received less than 23% of the vote and lost ground.
Political deadlock
The elections held on 18 May followed the collapse of the previous minority government formed by the Democratic Alliance after the March 2024 elections. At the time, the AD received only 29% of the vote, but tried to govern the country in a coalition that lasted less than a year.
Now, even with a stronger result, the refusal to cooperate with the second largest political force, Chega, leaves AD without a stable majority.
Chega, known for its Euroscepticism and harsh anti-immigration rhetoric, is increasing its presence in parliament but remains a toxic partner for the traditional parties.
Elections without stability
This is the third parliamentary election in Portugal in the last three years. The country is experiencing protracted political instability, and even the current result does not guarantee the formation of a functional government.
Analysts warn that if Montenegro fails to find a compromise majority, Portugal could face another political crisis with new elections on the horizon.
