Written by Barry Hutton
LISBON, Portugal (AP) – A center-right coalition led by the Social Democratic Party narrowly won Portugal's general election and is on track to form a minority government, in a vote that could make its term as a radical right-wing populist party difficult. The companies that came in third place are looking to seize power.
The results were announced late Wednesday after overseas votes were counted to determine the final four members in the March 10 vote, giving the Democratic Alliance a final 80 seats in Portugal's 230-member parliament. Obtained.
The centre-left Socialist Party came in second place with 78 seats, and says it will not prevent the Democratic Alliance from forming a minority government in future parliamentary votes.
The far-right Chega party has won 50 seats, up from 12 in the 2022 elections, in a stunning move that upends Portugal's traditional politics, in which the Social Democratic Party and Socialist Party have alternated in power for decades. did.
Chega leader Andre Ventura has called for the Social Democratic Party to be given a seat in the cabinet or given a voice in national politics through its parliamentary federation.
The final official results will be certified on Friday. By law, both parties have 48 hours to file a legal challenge to the outcome.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, as head of state, called on Luis Montenegro, leader of the Democratic Union and Social Democratic Party, to form a government at a meeting held after midnight.
Montenegro and its government are scheduled to be inaugurated on April 2nd. The government will then submit policy proposals to Parliament, which will need approval from a majority of MPs to begin work. If approval is not granted, either another party leader will be invited to form a government or new elections will be held.
Montenegro's next prime minister has so far ruled out any agreement with the populists, many of whose policies are offensive to many Portuguese. However, his minority government cannot pass legislation on its own, so political circumstances may force his decision.
Mr. Ventura, a populist leader, has threatened to make life difficult for the new government on important votes such as the state budget unless Montenegro yields to his demands.
Mr. Ventura shares a common cause with other radical right parties across Europe. He has built relationships with Matteo Salvini, Italy's deputy prime minister and leader of the populist right-wing League party, France's far-right leader Marine Le Pen, and Santiago Abascal, leader of neighboring Spain's far-right party Vox.
Mr Ventura is prepared to drop some of his party's most controversial proposals, including the introduction of chemical castration and life sentences for some sex offenders, if it opens the door to power. said.
A number of recent corruption scandals have damaged the Socialist Party and the Social Democratic Party, and Chega campaigned under the banner of anti-corruption.
Low wages and high costs of living (made worse last year by soaring inflation and interest rates), along with the housing crisis and the collapse of the public health system, have contributed to a mood of dissatisfaction with mainstream political parties.
