Snap Legislative Election Announced in Portugal Following PM’s Resignation

Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has announced a snap legislative election for May 18 after Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s resignation over conflict of interest allegations. As the Socialist Party leads in opinion polls, the election is crucial for political stability amidst ongoing controversies and previous scandals in the government.

On Thursday, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced a snap legislative election set for May 18, following Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s resignation amid a conflict of interest controversy. This election marks the third national vote in three years, with the Socialist Party currently leading in opinion polls.

In his televised address, President Rebelo de Sousa emphasized the need for prompt actions to prevent prolonged political instability, stating that May 18 was the preferred date for most political parties. He had consulted party leaders the day before before proceeding with the decision to dissolve the parliament.

The unexpected elections arise amidst international tensions, prompting Rebelo de Sousa to urge all parties to focus their campaign discussions on pressing domestic issues, including the economy and healthcare. Montenegro resigned after his minority government failed a confidence vote, amidst scrutiny over contracts involving his family’s companies.

The Socialist Party had previously secured a majority in the January 2022 election but lost it in a March 2024 snap election following a series of scandals. Despite his downfall, Montenegro has announced his intention to run for prime minister again in the upcoming elections.

Recent opinion polls show the Socialists leading at 30.8% of voter intentions, closely followed by the Democratic Alliance, led by Montenegro, at 25.8%, and the far-right Chega party at approximately 17%. Political analyst Antonio Costa Pinto suggested that the election called by Rebelo de Sousa was a tactical maneuver to avoid a formal inquiry into Montenegro’s conflicts of interest, enabling him to maintain his political standing.

The controversy surrounding Montenegro involves a services company linked to his family that holds several contracts with private entities, including those receiving state concessions. Montenegro stated that the family business will now be solely owned by his children, though opposition parties demand transparency concerning the matter.

In conclusion, Portugal’s forthcoming snap legislative election on May 18 represents a critical moment following Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s resignation over conflict of interest allegations. The election’s urgency arises from the need to maintain political stability, with the Socialist Party currently leading in polls. Following a tumultuous political landscape, the forthcoming election’s focus will center on addressing core issues impacting the Portuguese populace, while Montenegro seeks to reclaim his position as prime minister amidst controversy.

Original Source: www.france24.com