Portugal Faces Potential Early Elections as Confidence Vote Looms

Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro risks losing a confidence vote, triggering elections. His minority government, facing scrutiny over business dealings, may lead to the third election in three years. The potential for a new government arises amid shifting public support and scandals affecting multiple parties.

Portugal is poised for fresh elections as Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s government faces a confidence vote expected to result in its defeat. This election potentially marks the country’s third general election within three years, stemming from dissatisfaction among a majority of Members of Parliament (MPs) toward Montenegro’s right-of-centre minority administration.

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has indicated a willingness to dissolve the assembly if Montenegro loses the confidence vote, expected to take place on Tuesday, with new elections likely scheduled for May. The confidence motion was initiated by Montenegro’s government amid opposition calls for an inquiry into his business dealings, specifically pertaining to Spinumviva, a company he established that has been under scrutiny after significant income remained despite his political ascent.

Montenegro’s association with Spinumviva raised legal concerns, particularly about the transfer of ownership to his wife and their sons, particularly as their marital assets are joint. Skepticism has also been directed towards the company’s income sources, especially in light of ongoing contracts with establishments whose licenses are currently under review. The Prime Minister asserts that the firm primarily provides consultancy on data privacy, outsourcing its workload as his family’s professional status does not directly align with legal practice.

As Montenegro’s cabinet enacts various spending measures to demonstrate governmental productivity, the far-right party Chega is strategically positioned to amplify criticism of political corruption, particularly given the recent resignation of former Socialist Prime Minister António Costa amid an ongoing criminal investigation. However, Chega has encountered its own challenges, with scandals involving some MPs potentially undermining its credibility.

Opinion polls indicate a shift in public sentiment, with the Socialists, led by Pedro Nuno Santos, gaining on Montenegro’s coalition, which previously had a narrow lead following last year’s general elections. The prospect of prompt elections is met with hesitance from most political factions due to fears that voters may react unfavorably to repeated elections within such a short timeframe. Nonetheless, the current trajectory suggests that May elections are increasingly inevitable, as Montenegro opts to appeal directly to voters over participating in the proposed inquiry, a choice criticized as “cowardly” by the opposition leader, who remains firm in his refusal to support any government confidence motions.

In summary, Portugal is likely heading for another general election due to the impending loss of confidence for Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s government. The situation is exacerbated by the scrutiny over Montenegro’s business dealings with Spinumviva and the subsequent inquiry initiated by the opposition. While the far-right Chega party seeks to leverage these developments, it too faces its own controversies. With changing public sentiment reflected in opinion polls, the political landscape remains volatile as Portugal approaches potential elections in May.

Original Source: www.bbc.com