Reuters
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The Portuguese centre of rulership, Right Democrat Union (AD) won the Snap Assembly election on Sunday, but again fell short of the majority needed to end the long-term instability as far-right Chega gained a record share of the vote.
Prime Minister Louis Montenegro said the election results were votes of confidence in his party, but said Chega could still be counted due to votes from overseas.
Continuing political instability could delay structural reforms and major projects in Portugal, including lithium mining in the north, potentially undermining the efficient deployment of EU funds and years of privatization of tap airlines.
The third year, the election, was called a year for a one-year minority government term after Montenegro failed to win a trusted vote in March when he questioned his integrity regarding the family consulting company’s dealings. He denied any misconduct.
Election data shows that the ads are profiting, winning 89 seats in the 230-seat parliament, more than nine seats than in the previous election.
Montenegro, which ruled out the deal with Chega, said it had expected to form a minority government.
“The Portuguese don’t want any more snap elections. They want a four-year parliament,” Montenegro said his supporters chanted “Let Luis Work” and the slogan of his campaign.
Chega won a total of 58 seats, recording 22.6% of the vote, and voters appeared to punish socialists for their role in overthrowing Montenegro’s government.
They dropped from 78 to 58 seats, urging socialist leader Pedro Nuno Santos to tell him he would resign.
Chega leader Andre Ventura, who was hospitalized during the campaign after collapsed on stage with an esophageal convulsion, said his party “stylishly wiped out the left block from the map.”
“There are moments in life where God stops a little and stops a little,” he told a crowd of ecstatic supporters. “I’m not going to listen this time. I’m not going to stop until I become Portugal’s prime minister.”
