Portugal will hold a snap election on May 18, following Prime Minister Luis Montenegro’s resignation after a confidence vote loss. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced the swift decision to prevent prolonged instability, urging political parties to prioritize pressing issues in their campaigns. This situation marks the third national election in three years, highlighting increasing turmoil within the country’s political landscape.
Portugal’s political landscape is once again in upheaval as President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced a snap legislative election scheduled for May 18. This decision follows the resignation of Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, who stepped down following a confidence vote loss amid a conflict of interest controversy related to government contracts connected to his family’s businesses.
In his televised address, President Rebelo de Sousa emphasized the need for swift action to prevent further instability, noting that May 18 was the most acceptable date for the majority of political parties. He had met with party leaders the previous day and consulted with the State Council before deciding to dissolve parliament.
Rebelo de Sousa acknowledged that the elections were unexpected and unwelcome, especially against the backdrop of ongoing global tensions. He urged political parties to concentrate their campaigns on critical issues affecting the Portuguese populace, such as economic concerns and healthcare challenges.
Montenegro’s resignation stemmed from a vote of no confidence against his minority centre-right government, which had already been under scrutiny due to ongoing controversies. The political atmosphere has shifted significantly since the Socialist Party gained a legislative majority in January 2022, only to lose it in a subsequent snap election held in March 2024 amid various scandals.
The impending snap election in Portugal, the third in three years, follows the resignation of Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, who faced significant scrutiny over conflict of interest issues. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa aims to minimize political instability by convening elections on May 18, urging parties to focus on pressing societal issues during their campaigns. This development reflects a tumultuous period in Portuguese politics, characterized by shifting party dynamics and public concerns.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
