Portugal's centre-right Democratic Alliance has secured a narrow election victory, but faces a highly fragmented parliament with little chance of forming a majority government. With nearly all votes counted, the alliance led by Luís Montenegro holds 79 seats, just two more than the Socialist Party (PS), while far-right Chega surged to 18% of the vote and 48 seats in the 230-seat assembly.
The snap election was called after Socialist Prime Minister António Costa resigned in November amid corruption allegations, though he was never named as a suspect. Socialist leader Pedro Nuno Santos conceded defeat, stating the party would lead the opposition and work to regain support from disgruntled voters. Montenegro declared that Portuguese voters had chosen change and urged dialogue between political leaders.
The far-right Chega party, led by former football pundit André Ventura, cemented its position as the third force in Portuguese politics, winning over one million votes. Ventura hailed an 'absolutely historic' night and claimed the end of two-party rule. However, Montenegro has ruled out any deals with Chega, which he has condemned as xenophobic and racist. The populist party made strong gains in the south, including the Algarve, but performed less well in Porto.
Political commentators describe the new parliament as the most fragmented since the end of Portugal's dictatorship 50 years ago. The centre right will likely face months of minority government, with a critical budget vote in October. The outgoing Socialist finance minister warned of 'great fragility and instability'. Despite economic growth of 2.3% last year, low salaries and soaring rents have fuelled public dissatisfaction.
Voter turnout reached 66%, the highest in years, reflecting the intense competition. Former centre-right leader Luís Marques Mendes predicted fresh elections could come as early as next year. The result leaves Portugal facing an uncertain political future.
