Centre-Right Alliance Emerges Victorious in Portugal’s General Election

Portugal’s recent general election results have paved the way for a centre-right alliance, led by the Social Democratic Party, to form a minority government. With a narrow margin, the Democratic Alliance secured 80 seats in the 230-seat National Assembly. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has invited Luis Montenegro, head of the Democratic Alliance, to lead the government, despite the Socialist Party coming in second with 78 seats.

However, the rise of the hard-right Chega party, which secured 50 seats, poses a challenge to traditional politics in Portugal. Chega’s leader, Andre Ventura, is pushing for a role in governance, potentially complicating the formation of the new government. While Montenegro has thus far rejected any collaboration with the populists, the dynamics of minority rule may necessitate compromises in the future.