Portuguese Prime Minister Ousted Following Corruption Allegations

Luís Montenegro's minority government collapses after losing a parliamentary confidence vote tied to alleged conflicts of interest involving his family's business.

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's conservative minority government was ousted after a decisive 144-88 loss in a parliamentary confidence vote.
The scandal centered on Montenegro's family business, Spinumviva, which allegedly profited from contracts linked to his political office, raising accusations of conflicts of interest.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is expected to dissolve parliament and call for new elections in May, marking the third national election in Portugal since 2022.
Montenegro, who denies wrongdoing, has announced plans to run again despite the controversy and political uncertainty surrounding his leadership.
Observers warn that the ongoing political instability could hinder Portugal's economic growth and delay key projects, including the privatization of the national airline TAP.