Portugal’s center-right Democratic Alliance (AD) has clinched victory in Sunday’s snap general election. Led by the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and by two smaller conservative factions, the AD’s win edges out the Socialist Party (PS) by a thin margin.
Also Read: Moscow: Student Jailed for Renaming Wi-Fi Network to Pro-Ukraine Slogan
The Democratic Alliance comprising the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and two smaller conservative parties, secured a thin victory over the Socialist Party (PS).
With 79 seats in the 230-seat assembly, the Alliance edged past the Socialists, who won 77 seats. Neither party attained a majority, setting the stage for complex coalition negotiations.
A development in this election was the rise of the far-right Chega party, led by André Ventura. Quadrupling its seat count from 12 to 48, Chega emerged as a force in Portuguese politics, capturing the attention of voters disenchanted with mainstream parties.
Ventura’s platform, addressing anti-corruption measures and tough immigration policies, resonated with a segment of the electorate disillusioned with traditional politics.
Leader Luís Montenegro reiterated his refusal to engage in negotiations with Chega, citing the party’s controversial stance on immigration and other issues.
With only 87 seats in coalition with the small Liberal Initiative party, the Alliance falls short of the 116-seat threshold for a majority.
This leaves the possibility of a minority government heavily reliant on Chega’s support for passing legislation.
With the AD securing 79 seats in the 230-seat assembly, closely trailed by the PS with 77 seats. Quadrupling its seat count from a meager 12 to a 48, Chega now emerges as a force in Portugal’s politics.
AD’s leader, Luis Montenegro, wasted no time in asserting his mandate, declaring victory and calling on rival parties to respect the voice of the electorate.
Montenegro’s resolute stance against forming any alliance with Chega underlining the ideological chasm between the center-right and the far-right.
Also Read: Sweden Officially Joins NATO as Alliance’s 32nd Member
Chega’s leader, André Ventura, buoyed by his party’s electoral gains, has signaled a willingness to engage in coalition talks, citing the mandate bestowed upon his party by the electorate.
The inconclusive electoral outcome heralds a period of intense negotiations and coalition-building, as neither the AD nor the PS managed to secure an outright majority.
With Chega holding the balance of power, its inclusion in a coalition government could usher in a new era of right-wing politics in Portugal.
Portugal’s change towards the far-right trends observed across Europe, where populist and nationalist movements have gained traction in response to perceived failures of traditional political establishments.
The rise of Chega underlines societal anxieties regarding immigration, security, and governance. Ventura’s controversial proposals, including chemical castration for sex offenders, show the party’s willingness to push the boundaries of political discourse.
The snap election was triggered by the resignation of Prime Minister António Costa amidst allegations of corruption in his administration’s handling of green investment projects.
Costa’s departure is the end of his eight-year tenure, during which the Socialist Party faced challenges ranging from corruption scandals to public dissatisfaction with economic conditions and social services.
The rise of Chega shows discontent among voters with mainstream parties and a desire for change. The party’s populist rhetoric, with promises to address corruption and immigration issues.
Also Read: Polish Farmers Protest Against EU Rules and Ukrainian Imports
/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/ENUS6QASEZMJNEJUBVQFBG3QUY.jpg)
