Portugal’s parliament has set a confidence vote on the minority government, potentially leading to the country’s third election in three years. Prime Minister Montenegro’s administration, under scrutiny for alleged business conflicts, risks losing support as opposition parties unite against it. Economic factors may influence voter decisions in this politically charged atmosphere, with significant implications for future governance.
Portugal is facing the prospect of a third general election in three years, as parliament has scheduled a confidence vote on the center-right minority government next week. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro’s administration has faced mounting pressure, particularly regarding business ties connected to his family law firm. A coalition of opposition lawmakers, holding a significant majority, is expected to vote for the government’s removal.
The current government, comprising the Social Democratic Party and the Popular Party, holds only 80 seats in the 230-seat assembly. The minority government has been in power for less than a year and has called this confidence motion to eliminate uncertainty about its ability to govern effectively.
The two largest opposition parties, together possessing 128 seats, plan to vote against the government, joined by other smaller factions. This political instability threatens to delay the distribution of over 22 billion euros ($24 billion) in EU development funds, which are vital for investment projects in Portugal.
The intense political tension arises from allegations of potential conflicts of interest involving Montenegro’s family law firm. Though Montenegro denies any wrongdoing, critics demand more transparency about the firm, particularly after revelations that it receives monthly payments from a government-conceded gambling company.
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has indicated that should the confidence vote lead to new elections, it would be preferable to hold them around mid-May. He has the authority to call for elections, and with rising populism in Europe, voter fatigue could have consequences for the upcoming political landscape.
The Social Democrats are hopeful that Portugal’s economic growth of 1.9% in the past year, surpassing the EU average of 0.8%, and a jobless rate of 6.4%—in line with the EU average—will persuade citizens to support them. Traditionally, their main rivals are the center-left Socialist Party, currently the second-largest group in parliament. The next scheduled general election in Portugal is set for January 2028.
Portugal is on the brink of a significant political shift, potentially leading to a third general election in three years. The upcoming confidence vote poses a critical moment for the center-right government’s stability, amid controversies surrounding the Prime Minister’s business ties. With the economic backdrop influencing voter sentiment and potential electoral fatigue among the populace, the political landscape could face profound changes depending on the outcome of the vote next week.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
