Portugal is set for its third snap general election in three years due to a confidence vote likely to unseat Prime Minister Luís Montenegro. Amid scrutiny of his family’s consultancy, Montenegro’s government faces opposition from both the Socialist Party and Chega. Current polls suggest a closely contested race ahead of elections in May 2024.
Portugal is preparing for its third snap general election within three years as members of parliament get ready to debate a confidence motion likely to remove the centre-right government. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, leader of the Democratic Alliance (AD), initiated this vote in response to increasing scrutiny regarding his family’s business affairs. The confidence vote is scheduled for Tuesday, and the outcome appears poised to prompt new elections set for May.
Amid claims concerning his family’s consultancy, Montenegro asserted that he has engaged in no misconduct and called the vote to resolve a “permanent atmosphere of insinuations and intrigues.” Opposition parties, comprising the centre-left Socialist Party (PS) and the far-right Chega, who together hold 128 of the 230 parliamentary seats, have expressed intentions to vote against the government. Montenegro’s AD holds only 80 seats.
Should Montenegro lose the confidence vote as anticipated, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is expected to dissolve parliament, leading to elections potentially occurring on May 11 or May 18. Central to the allegations against Montenegro is Spinumviva, a data protection consultancy he founded in 2021. The company was transferred to his family the following year.
Opponents argue that Spinumviva’s contracts with various private enterprises, including a casino and hotel chain, have financially benefited Montenegro. Although prosecutors are not actively investigating Spinumviva, they have acknowledged reviewing “an anonymous complaint” concerning Montenegro’s dealings associated with the firm.
The last general election, held a year earlier, was initiated after the resignation of former Prime Minister António Costa amidst allegations of improprieties in the management of green investment projects. Although Costa maintained his innocence and stated his resignation was to uphold his integrity, the political landscape shifted significantly. The March 2024 election was highly competitive, as AD secured 80 seats, just ahead of PS’s 78, while Chega, under André Ventura, dramatically increased its representation from 12 to 50 seats.
Current polls indicate a close race ahead of the prospective May election, with the AD at approximately 30%, slightly leading the PS, while Chega stands at 18%.
In summary, Portugal faces the likelihood of another general election as Prime Minister Luís Montenegro calls for a confidence vote amid scrutiny of his family’s business operations. The political landscape is tense, with opposition parties prepared to challenge the government, leading to potential elections in mid-May. The situation highlights ongoing volatility in Portugal’s political arena following the recent resignation of former Prime Minister António Costa and reflects the shifting dynamics among the main political parties.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
