Portugal’s Government Collapses After Confidence Vote Defeat

Prime Minister Luis Montenegro’s minority administration is ousted, likely leading to the nation’s third general election in three years.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro lost a confidence vote in parliament by 142-88, resulting in the collapse of his minority government after just 11 months in office.
The confidence vote was called by Montenegro to address allegations of conflicts of interest tied to his family’s business dealings, which he denies but opposition parties found insufficiently explained.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is expected to dissolve parliament and announce a snap general election, potentially scheduled for May 11 or May 18.
This marks the third early election in three years for Portugal, with voters increasingly disillusioned by political instability and unclear mandates in recent polls.
The far-right Chega party, which surged to become the third-largest political force in 2024, could gain further support in the upcoming election, reflecting growing frustration with mainstream parties.