Portugal's Far-Right Chega Party Surges into Second Largest Political Presence
Portugal's Political Landscape Shifts Dramatically: Chega Surges to Second Place, Socialist Party Collapses
After the early legislative elections on May 18, 2025, Portugal's political landscape has undergone a significant transformation. The center-right Democratic Alliance (AD), despite securing around 31.8-32.7% of the vote, fell short of an absolute parliamentary majority, while the traditionally dominant Socialist Party (PS) plummeted to third place. The far-right Chega party made history by becoming the first third party to acquire a substantial vote share and seats, positioning themselves as the official opposition.
The AD, a coalition encompassing the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the People’s Party (CDS), proved to be the election's winner, gaining about 89-91 seats in Parliament. Although their victory marked an improvement over their 2024 results, they lacked the necessary seats to form a government alone. The Liberal Initiative (IL), with only 9 seats, is not enough to bridge the gap for the AD.
Chega's leader, André Ventura, led his party to an unprecedented victory, capturing around 22.6-22.8% of the vote and approximately 60 seats, surpassing the Socialist Party after overseas votes were counted. Chega managed to win pluralities in several mainland and overseas districts, becoming the first third party to achieve such a large share of the vote in Portuguese democracy.
The Socialist Party, in a dramatic shift, came third for the first time in its 52-year history, receiving a similar vote share as Chega (about 23% in some counts, but ultimately fewer seats after final tallies) and securing roughly 58 seats. Party leader Pedro Nuno Santos announced his resignation following the defeat.
The publication of the official results paves the way for the formation of a new government. Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has now begun consultations with the parties, starting Thursday afternoon, in anticipation of designating a Prime Minister, potentially as early as the same evening. The AD, led by outgoing Prime Minister Luis Montenegro of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), is expected to remain the front-runner, but the lack of an absolute majority means intense negotiations among the main parties will be required to form a stable government.
The European Union may anticipate changes in Portugal's policy-and-legislation as Chega, the first third party to acquire a substantial vote share, will be the official opposition in the country's new parliament. Meanwhile, the general news reports the Socialist Party's dramatic collapse, with Chega surging to second place and the possibility of intense negotiations among the main parties to form a stable government.
