Monday, 17 August 2026Europe · Analysis
Independent · Brussels & Berlin
Person
Prime Minister of Portugal, Government of Portugal
Centre-left candidate leads polls by two-to-one margin in Sunday's vote, while far-right Chega leader fails to consolidate conservative support despite historic first-round showing.
Antonio Jose Seguro leads first round with 31.1% but falls short of majority, setting up 8 February contest against Chega leader Andre Ventura on 23.5%
The anti-immigration party finished second in the May 18 election, overtaking the Socialists by two seats and positioning itself to lead parliamentary opposition to another minority government.
The Democratic Alliance won 89 seats but falls short of a majority, while Chega matches the Socialists on 58 seats in a parliament where four overseas votes remain unallocated.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa dissolves parliament following confidence vote defeat, triggering third general election in three years amid growing voter fatigue
Prime minister's minority government falls 142-88 over consultancy firm allegations, triggering caretaker period and likely May ballot with polls showing no clear winner
Minority centre-right alliance loses confidence vote after less than a year in office, plunging the country into fresh political uncertainty as €22bn in EU funds await deployment.
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's minority coalition lost 142-88 after opposition parties pressed a conflict-of-interest row involving his family's law firm and a state contractor.
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