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Portugal Votes in Third Election in Three Years, Stability Remains Elusive

Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's Democratic Alliance leads polls but is expected to fall short of a majority, while far-right Chega party could play kingmaker role.

Supporters gather at a rally held by Andre Ventura, leader of Portugal's far-right political party Chega, on the final day of campaigning, ahead of Portugal's general election, in Lisbon, Portugal, May 16, 2025. REUTERS/Rodrigo Antunes/File Photo
Incumbent Prime Minister and leader of the center-right Social Democratic Party Luis Montenegro gestures to supporters during an election campaign action in downtown Lisbon, Friday, May 16, 2025, ahead of the May 18 general election. (AP Photo/Ana Brigida)
Socialist Party secretary general Pedro Nuno Santos waves to supporters during an election campaign action in Moscavide, on the outskirts of Lisbon, Friday, May 16, 2025, ahead of the May 18 general election. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
A view shows a billboard of the AD - Coalition PSD/CDS, ahead of Portugal snap elections in Lisbon, Portugal, May 5, 2025. REUTERS/Pedro Nunes/File Photo

Overview

  • Polling stations opened Sunday for Portugal's third general election in three years, with final results expected later tonight.
  • Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's Democratic Alliance (AD) is projected to win the most seats but likely will not secure the 116-seat majority needed for stable governance.
  • The far-right Chega party is on track to finish third, potentially holding sway in parliament, though Montenegro has ruled out forming a coalition with them.
  • Housing affordability and immigration policies have dominated the campaign, reflecting growing public discontent with economic pressures and demographic shifts.
  • The election follows Montenegro's loss of a parliamentary confidence vote in March over conflict-of-interest allegations, which he continues to deny.