Portugal’s general election has seen the centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD) emerge as the victor, as announced by its leader Luis Montenegro.
However, uncertainties loomed regarding the feasibility of governing without potential support from the far-right Chega party, with whom Montenegro reiterated his refusal to negotiate.
The parliamentary representation of Chega surged, with at least 48 lawmakers securing seats in the 230-seat legislature, thereby granting a majority to the combined right-wing bloc.
Far-Right Surge evident across Europe
This outcome reflects the broader trend of a rightward political shift evident across Europe.
Portugal, having transitioned to democracy just half a century ago following the overthrow of a fascist regime, had traditionally been viewed as resistant to the rise of right-wing populism seen elsewhere on the continent.
Nevertheless, recent developments suggest a departure from this trend, raising expectations of potential gains for far-right parties in the upcoming European elections slated for June.
Pedro Nuno Santos, the main contender to Montenegro, conceded defeat as his left-leaning Socialist Party (PS), which had been in power since 2015, narrowly secured second place.
Santos ruled out backing the AD’s agenda, which includes widespread tax cuts.
In his address to jubilant supporters in the early hours of Monday, Montenegro asserted the AD’s victory and emphasized the importance of responsible governance in alignment with the electorate’s desires.
He anticipated receiving a formal invitation from President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa to form a government.
While reaffirming his commitment to refrain from seeking support from right-wing populist factions, Montenegro expressed concerns regarding potential collusion between the PS and Chega to obstruct the formation of the desired government.
The AD, along with its conservative allies in Madeira, clinched a combined total of at least 79 seats, outpacing the PS’s tally of 77.
The allocation of four remaining seats awaited the final tabulation of overseas ballots.
The PS had consistently trailed the AD in pre-election polls following the resignation of Socialist Prime Minister Antonio Costa amidst a corruption probe in November.
Santos announced his party’s intention to lead the opposition, asserting the need to prevent Chega from wielding significant influence.
Chega campaigned on an anti-establishment platform, pledging to combat corruption and expressing staunch opposition to perceived “excessive” immigration.
Chega leader Andre Ventura interpreted Sunday’s results as a mandate for an AD-Chega coalition government, holding Montenegro responsible for any political instability resulting from his refusal to engage in negotiations.
At the AD’s election celebration, supporter Paula Medeiros expressed apprehensions about potential ongoing instability in governance.
The PS and the Social Democratic Party (PSD), which spearheads the newly formed AD, have historically alternated in governance since the overthrow of the dictatorship in 1974.
Reflecting on the electoral outcome, 21-year-old law student and PS member Alexandra Ferreira lamented what she perceived as societal amnesia, particularly in light of the far-right’s ascendance, which she found deeply disheartening.
Key issues dominating the campaign included Portugal’s housing crisis, stagnant wages, healthcare challenges, and widespread corruption, which many view as entrenched within mainstream political circles.
Despite these challenges, Portugal experienced steady economic growth under Socialist leadership, with annual rates exceeding 2% and recent budget surpluses enabling a reduction in public debt to below 100% of GDP.
This fiscal prudence garnered acclaim from both Brussels and investors, who anticipate continuity in economic policies under the AD’s governance.
Click here for more on the rise of the Far-Right across Europe
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