Portugal is set for a possible third election in three years after a confidence vote is scheduled for Prime Minister Luis Montenegro’s minority government, facing opposition over business ties. The government, with only 80 seats, risks removal as two major opposition parties plan to vote against it. The political crisis could endanger the distribution of crucial EU funds, and Montenegro denies wrongdoing amid scrutiny of his family’s law firm.
Portugal is poised for its third general election in three years as parliament has scheduled a confidence vote for the center-right minority government led by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro. This development follows increasing pressure concerning the Prime Minister’s business ties, with opposition lawmakers largely favoring the government’s removal. The current administration comprises the Social Democratic Party and the smaller Popular Party, holding only 80 seats in the 230-seat legislature and having been in power for less than a year.
In light of the upcoming vote, the government expressed that the confidence motion was necessary to eliminate doubts regarding its capability to implement policies effectively. Two major opposition parties, holding 128 combined seats, have declared their intention to oppose the government in the scheduled debate. Additionally, several smaller parties have pledged their support to the opposition’s stance.
Portugal, with a population of 10.6 million, faces potential instability with the political crisis coinciding with ongoing continental challenges related to security and the economy. The government is tasked with managing over €22 billion in EU development funds earmarked for domestic investment projects.
Intensified scrutiny surrounds Prime Minister Montenegro regarding potential conflicts of interest stemming from his family law firm’s business dealings. Although he has denied any misconduct by asserting that he entrusted management of the firm to his wife and children, opposition parties are demanding clarity on its financial transactions, particularly recent payments from a company benefiting from a government-issued gambling concession.
Should Tuesday’s vote result in the government’s resignation, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has indicated that new elections would ideally occur around mid-May. The President has the constitutional authority to call elections under such circumstances. Furthermore, Portugal is experiencing a rise in populism, exemplified by the ascent of the radical-right Chega party, which gained traction in the last election.
The Social Democratic Party remains hopeful that recent economic growth, reported at 1.9% in the previous year compared to the EU’s 0.8% average, alongside a jobless rate of 6.4% in line with EU averages, may bolster their support from the electorate. The main rival, the center-left Socialist Party, remains the second-largest faction in parliament, contradicting the Social Democrats’ position. The next general election had initially been scheduled for January 2028.
In summary, Portugal faces a potential third election within three years as the Parliament prepares for a confidence vote against Prime Minister Luis Montenegro’s minority government. The opposition is largely unified against the government, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest within the Prime Minister’s business dealings. As the country navigates this political turmoil, the implications for economic stability and governance remain significant.
Original Source: apnews.com
