Lisbon, Portugal – Portugal’s political landscape faces uncertainty as center-right politician Luís Montenegro is invited by the president to form a minority government. This comes after the Democratic Alliance (AD) won snap elections but fell short of securing a majority in parliament, leading to a fragmented political scenario in the country.
The AD, who won 80 seats in the elections, now needs to secure support either from the Socialists, holding 78 seats, or the far-right Chega party, which gained 50 seats. However, the party has rejected any collaboration with Chega, complicating the formation of a ruling coalition.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s decision to invite Montenegro as the potential prime minister comes following consultations with party leaders and the recognition of the AD’s electoral success. This move signals a shift in governance away from the Socialists, who have been in power since 2015.
Montenegro’s reluctance to engage with Chega adds another layer of complexity to the political scenario, as the party’s leader, André Ventura, seeks to influence the new parliament as a potential kingmaker. This refusal highlights the challenges faced in forming a stable government amidst differing ideologies and preferences within the parliament.
The outgoing Prime Minister Antonio Costa’s departure due to corruption allegations has also contributed to the current political landscape. Costa, who led the country as Socialist party leader, stepped down four months ago, creating a power vacuum that Montenegro is now poised to fill.
As Portugal grapples with economic challenges such as low salaries and soaring rents, the political uncertainty adds another layer of complexity to the country’s governance. The next steps in forming a government will be crucial in determining the direction and stability of Portugal’s future administration.