Portugal Schedules May 18 Election Following Government Collapse

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announces early elections after Prime Minister Luís Montenegro loses a confidence vote over corruption allegations.

Portugal will hold its third snap election since 2022 on May 18, following the collapse of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's minority government.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa dissolved parliament just 48 hours after a confidence vote ousted Montenegro, citing the need to prevent prolonged instability.
Montenegro's government fell due to allegations of conflicts of interest involving his family's company, which is under investigation for potential tax violations.
Key initiatives, including the privatization of the national airline TAP, have been put on hold until a new government is formed.
The upcoming election raises concerns about the potential growth of the far-right Chega party, which is currently the third-largest in parliament.