Portuguese Government Collapses Following Failed Confidence Vote

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro resigns under conflict-of-interest allegations, with early elections likely in May.

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, in office for just one year, resigned after losing a parliamentary vote of confidence supported by opposition parties, including the Socialists, far-left, and far-right Chega.
The controversy centers on a company owned by Montenegro's wife and children, which had contracts with private firms linked to state concessions, raising conflict-of-interest concerns.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is consulting with political parties and the Council of State to decide whether to form a new government or call early elections, likely on May 11 or 18.
If elections are held, it will be the third legislative vote in Portugal since 2022, reflecting ongoing political instability in the country.
Polls suggest no party is likely to secure a majority, with the Socialist Party slightly ahead of Montenegro's center-right alliance and the far-right Chega maintaining significant support.