Portugal's New Government Faces Fragmented Parliament and Far-Right Challenge

With the rise of the far-right Chega party, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's minority government navigates a complex political landscape.

Portugal's new center-right minority government, led by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, was sworn in, facing a fragmented parliament and the challenge of passing legislation without the support of the far-right Chega party.
The Democratic Alliance (AD) coalition won the March elections with a slim majority, indicating a shift in voter support from traditional parties to more populist, right-wing parties like Chega.
Chega's rise in parliamentary seats from 12 to 50 highlights a growing acceptance of far-right ideologies among Portuguese voters, raising concerns about the mainstreaming of such views.
Despite Montenegro's refusal to form a coalition with Chega, the possibility of cooperation on certain issues remains, as past collaborations and the need for legislative support could influence future interactions.
The situation in Portugal reflects wider European trends of increasing support for far-right parties, posing challenges for traditional political establishments and democratic values.