Monday, 17 August 2026Europe · Analysis
Independent · Brussels & Berlin
Person
President of Portugal, Presidency of the Portuguese Republic
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.
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
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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