Portugal’s minority government lost a confidence vote led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, marking the country’s third election in three years. The prime minister, who took office less than a year ago, faces conflict-of-interest allegations regarding a family business. Montenegro maintains that he prioritized public over personal interests in his leadership.

Portugal’s center-right minority government, led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, has lost a vote of confidence, which paves the way for the country’s third parliamentary election within three years. The confidence vote was instigated by Prime Minister Montenegro himself following two unsuccessful censure motions aimed at his administration. Montenegro, who has held office for less than a year, faces allegations of a conflict of interest related to a family-owned data protection firm.

In his addressing session to parliament prior to the vote, Montenegro asserted, “I did not give in to any personal interest in the face of public interest.” This statement encapsulates his position amidst the ongoing scandal, highlighting the tension surrounding his leadership and the implications for the future of Portuguese governance.

The situation in Portugal underscores the volatility of the political landscape, particularly as a result of the recent vote of confidence lost by Prime Minister Montenegro’s government. With this loss, the nation is poised for yet another election, which could further affect the stability of governance in Portugal.

Original Source: www.politico.eu