Portugal will hold snap legislative elections on May 18 following Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s resignation over a conflict of interest. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced the elections to avoid political instability, urging parties to prioritize economic and healthcare issues. The Socialist Party is currently leading the polls, with Montenegro aiming to return as prime minister amid ongoing scrutiny of his family’s business dealings.
On Thursday, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced a snap legislative election scheduled for May 18, following the resignation of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in a conflict of interest controversy. This marks the country’s third national election in less than three years, with the Socialist Party currently leading in opinion polls.
President Rebelo de Sousa emphasized the need for swift action to avoid prolonged political instability. In a televised address, he stated that May 18 was “the preferred date for the majority of parties,” following consultations with party leaders and a meeting of the State Council.
Rebelo de Sousa noted, “These elections, nobody was expecting them, nor wanting them” and urged political parties to focus their campaigns on pressing issues such as the economy and healthcare, which concern the Portuguese populace.
Prime Minister Montenegro resigned after his minority center-right government lost a confidence vote, amidst controversies involving contracts held by his family’s companies. The Socialist Party had previously won a majority in January 2022 but lost it by March 2024 due to ongoing scandals.
As part of the upcoming elections, opinion polls suggest that the Socialist Party leads with 30.8% of voting intentions, followed by Montenegro’s Democratic Alliance at 25.8%, and the far-right Chega party at approximately 17%. Montenegro has confirmed his intention to run for prime minister again.
Political analyst Antonio Costa Pinto noted that Rebelo de Sousa’s decision to call for elections could be seen as a tactical retreat to prevent a formal inquiry into Montenegro’s conflicts, hoping to enable his political survival amidst ongoing scrutiny regarding his family’s business interests.
In summary, Portugal is preparing for its third national election in three years following the resignation of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has announced the elections for May 18, 2024, emphasizing the necessity of addressing pressing public concerns. The outcome of these elections remains uncertain, with the Socialist Party currently leading the polls, and Montenegro aiming for a comeback amid the controversy surrounding his family’s business.
Original Source: www.france24.com
