Portugal will hold a snap legislative election on May 18 after Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s resignation due to conflict of interest. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa seeks to ensure stability and address pressing issues concerning Portuguese citizens. The Socialist Party currently leads in opinion polls, as Montenegro prepares for a potential return to office.
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced a snap legislative election will occur on May 18, following Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s resignation. This marks the third national election in less than three years, with the Socialist Party currently leading in opinion polls. Montenegro resigned due to a conflict of interest dispute after his minority government lost a confidence vote.
In his televised address, President Rebelo de Sousa expressed the urgency to avert prolonged instability and indicated that the date of May 18 was agreeable to most parties. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of directing campaign discussions toward pressing issues such as the economy and healthcare, which concern the Portuguese population.
Montenegro’s resignation came amidst scandals, particularly regarding contracts held by his family’s companies. Following an election in January 2022, where the Socialist Party secured a majority, this majority was lost in a subsequent snap election in March 2024 after party leader Antonio Costa faced scrutiny over government contract awards. Although Costa maintains he committed no wrongdoing and now serves as the head of the European Council, his party is presently leading in recent polls.
A recent opinion poll shows the Socialists at 30.8 percent, with Montenegro’s centre-right Democratic Alliance group trailing at 25.8 percent, and the far-right Chega party at approximately 17 percent. Montenegro has announced his intention to run for prime minister again in the upcoming elections.
Political analyst Antonio Costa Pinto characterized President Rebelo de Sousa’s decision as a tactical withdrawal intended to circumvent a formal inquiry into Montenegro’s conflict of interest and to enable him to continue his political career. The controversy revolves around a services company owned by Montenegro’s wife and children, which holds several private contracts, leading to calls for transparency from the opposition.
In summary, Portugal is preparing for a snap legislative election on May 18 following the resignation of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro due to conflict of interest issues. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa aims to stabilize the political environment by prioritizing voters’ concerns. Meanwhile, the Socialist Party appears to be leading in the polls, despite past scandals, as Montenegro seeks to maintain his political presence by running again for prime minister.
Original Source: www.france24.com
