Portugal will conduct early elections on May 18 due to the collapse of Prime Minister Luis Montenegro’s government after a confidence vote loss. This marks the third election within three years, amid ongoing political conflicts. Current polls suggest a competitive landscape, but higher voter abstention is feared due to dissatisfaction with political events.
The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has announced that early general elections will be held on May 18 following the dissolution of parliament. This election will be the third within three years for the nation, illustrating ongoing political instability. President Rebelo de Sousa urged citizens to engage in their civic responsibilities amidst the challenges facing the country.
The decision for an early election emerged after Prime Minister Luis Montenegro lost a confidence vote on Tuesday due to involvement in a conflict of interest scandal with his family’s law firm; he vehemently denies any wrongdoing. As the government crumbles, Montenegro will serve in a caretaker role until a new administration is established, even expressing his intention to campaign in the upcoming elections.
The last general elections, which occurred in March 2024, were also spurred by political controversies. During that election, Socialist leader Antonio Costa resigned due to a corruption investigation surrounding his chief of staff, though Costa was not implicated in any misconduct.
Current opinion polls suggest a close contest between the opposition Socialists and Montenegro’s coalition, with both parties hovering around 30%. However, it is anticipated that voter turnout may be adversely affected this time, as disenchantment with successive governments grows, despite record participation last year.
Portugal is poised for early elections on May 18 following a recent government collapse triggered by a lost confidence vote for Prime Minister Luis Montenegro. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges and political turmoil in the country, with prior elections also shaped by controversies. Although Montenegro expresses intentions to run in the elections, experts anticipate decreased voter engagement due to dissatisfaction with the political landscape.
Original Source: www.dw.com
