President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal is holding discussions with political leaders on Wednesday to determine whether to call for fresh elections, following the collapse of Prime Minister Luis Montenegro’s government.
Montenegro, who assumed office last year without a parliamentary majority, resigned on Tuesday after losing a no-confidence vote, which was triggered by a potential conflict of interest controversy. The talks, which include Montenegro’s Social Democratic Party (PSD), the opposition Socialist Party, the far-right Chega party, and others, are crucial in determining the country’s political future.
Rebelo de Sousa plans further consultations on Thursday with the Council of State, a consultative body of senior political figures, before making a decision by Thursday evening or Friday. Although discussions are ongoing, fresh elections are considered the most likely outcome, and the president has already indicated that they could be scheduled for May 11 or 18.
If elections are called, it will mark the third election in Portugal since 2022. The president had previously called for elections in November 2023 following the resignation of Socialist Prime Minister Antonio Costa, who was implicated in an influence-peddling scandal.
The scandal surrounding Montenegro’s resignation involves a services company owned by his wife and children, which has contracts with private firms, including one involving state concessions. Montenegro has pledged that the business will be fully transferred to his children but faces pressure from the opposition to provide more details.
Despite the political turmoil, some citizens are frustrated at the prospect of another election so soon after the previous one. Financial analysts have raised concerns over the political instability, especially amid growing external risks and rising defense spending pressures.
Recent opinion polls indicate that the Socialist Party is slightly ahead, followed by Montenegro’s centre-right coalition and the Chega party.
