Right-wing populists have climbed into the second position in Portugal's political landscape.
Portugal's Political Landscape Shifts Rightward as Chega Becomes Major Opposition
Lisbon, Portugal - Following the May 18 parliamentary election, Portugal is facing an uncertain future due to a significant rightward shift in its political landscape and a fragmented parliament with no clear majority.
The far-right Chega party, known for its anti-immigration stance and polarizing policies, has surged dramatically, claiming the position as the second-largest opposition force, tying with the longstanding Socialist Party (PS). The rise of Chega, which had only one seat in parliament six years ago, marks a turning point in Portuguese politics.
The 42-year-old law professor and party leader, André Ventura, declared after the election that they would form the government soon. However, the Democratic Alliance (AD) led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, which emerged as the electoral winner but failed to secure an outright majority, has not indicated its intentions regarding forming a coalition with Chega or the PS.
Despite the Democratic Alliance improving its position compared to the previous election, it missed the absolute majority of at least 116 seats. Montenegro has been reappointed as prime minister by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and is expected to present his government program to parliament for a vote by the end of May.
The third parliamentary election in three years was prompted by Montenegro losing a confidence vote in March, leading to a caretaker government with limited powers. crucial projects, including the privatization of the airline TAP, have been put on hold.
The Democratic Alliance, comprising the center-right Social Democratic Party (PSD), holds 91 seats in the 230-seat parliament. The far-right Chega and the liberal Iniciativa Liberal (IL) are the second and fourth-largest political forces, respectively. Lefty parties like the Left Bloc (BE) and the Communist-Green coalition (CDU) saw historic lows.
The persistence of multiple parties with significant seats and opposing agendas means political gridlock or frequent calls for new elections may continue, affecting governance stability in the near term. The political shift to the right is expected to result in policy changes, particularly on immigration and law-and-order issues, departing from the previous centrist or left-leaning governments.
Chega's rise as the second-largest opposition force in Portugal, aligning with the longstanding Socialist Party (PS), signals a potential shift in the nation's political stance, particularly regarding immigration and law-and-order issues. The Democratic Alliance's failure to secure an outright majority, coupled with a fragmented parliament, may lead to political gridlock or recurring elections, potentially impacting the country's general news landscape and foreign relations, especially when considering war-and-conflicts and global political events.
