Portugal prepares for a potential snap general election as Prime Minister Luís Montenegro faces a confidence vote linked to his family’s business activities. The centre-left Socialists and far-right Chega plan to oppose the government, likely leading to dissolution and elections in May. The context also includes the recent resignation of former PM António Costa amid scrutiny over green investment projects. Polls indicate competitive dynamics going into the election.
Portugal is on the verge of a snap general election, its third in three years, as MPs prepare for a confidence vote that may lead to a government change. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, leader of the Democratic Alliance (AD), initiated this vote amid controversies surrounding his family’s business dealings. He has denied any wrongdoing and emphasized the need to dispel ongoing rumors regarding his integrity.
Both the centre-left Socialist Party (PS) and the far-right Chega party have pledged to vote against Montenegro’s AD government, which controls 80 seats in Portugal’s 230-seat parliament. The PS and Chega hold a combined 128 seats, signaling a likely loss for the prime minister. If Montenegro fails to secure confidence, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is expected to dissolve parliament, leading to elections possibly on 11 or 18 May.
The crux of the allegations centers on Spinumviva, a data protection consultancy founded by Montenegro in 2021 and later transferred to his family. Opposition parties argue that Spinumviva has secured contracts benefiting the Prime Minister through connections with private enterprises, particularly a casino and hotel. Although there is no investigation currently active, prosecutors are reviewing an anonymous complaint regarding Montenegro linked to these business activities.
The upcoming election is rooted in the political upheaval from the previous year when former Prime Minister António Costa, who led the PS, resigned amid scrutiny of his administration’s green investment projects. Costa had served since 2015 and noted the incompatibility of his duties with public suspicion despite his claims of integrity. During the March 2024 elections, the AD narrowly edged out the PS, while Chega saw significant gains, raising questions about potential outcomes in the forthcoming elections.
Current polls suggest that a new election could yield results similar to March 2024, with the AD at roughly 30%, just ahead of the PS, and Chega trailing at 18%.
Portugal is facing a significant political shift as the confidence vote looms, potentially leading to a new election in May. The controversies surrounding Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s business dealings have sparked opposition unity, indicating a possible end to the ruling government. This political landscape reflects ongoing instability, with high stakes for both the current administration and opposing parties as the nation prepares for its third election in three years.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
