Portuguese President Calls Snap Elections for May 18 Following No-Confidence Vote

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced the dissolution of parliament on March 19 and called for national elections on May 18. The move follows a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Luís Montenegro due to alleged conflicts of interest. This election will be the third in 2023, just 14 months post the previous vote, with Montenegro and Socialist leader Pedro Nuno Santos as primary candidates.

On Thursday, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa declared the dissolution of the nation’s parliament set for March 19, initiating a call for snap elections on May 18. This decision follows a recent no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, who faces opposition accusations regarding conflicts of interest linked to his family’s data protection firm, Spinumviva.

These forthcoming elections mark the third instance of national voting in Portugal within a year, occurring a mere 14 months after the last election. Despite this short interval, the political situation in Portugal is expected to remain largely consistent. Montenegro will represent the center-right Democratic Alliance once again, competing against the leader of the Socialist Party, Pedro Nuno Santos.

In summary, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s announcement details the imminent dissolution of parliament and the scheduling of snap elections for May 18. This decision follows a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, reflecting ongoing political tensions in Portugal. The upcoming elections are notably the third in a short span, with Montenegro and Santos poised to lead their respective parties into the contest.

Original Source: www.politico.eu