Portugal to Hold Snap Election on May 18 After Government Collapse

Portugal will hold a snap election on May 18 following the disbandment of Parliament by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, after Prime Minister Montenegro lost a confidence vote due to conflict of interest allegations. Analysts predict increased voter abstention as dissatisfaction with political instability grows, though the economy remains strong.

Portugal will conduct a snap election on May 18th, following the recent disbandment of Parliament by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. This decision arises in the wake of a parliamentary confidence vote that resulted in the collapse of the minority government led by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, who faced accusations of conflicts of interest due to his family’s consultancy firm. The president’s action comes after consultations with major political parties and the Council of State, which unanimously recommended the need for an early election.

The government is now in a caretaker role until a new parliament is established. Prime Minister Montenegro introduced the confidence motion amid threats from the opposition to initiate a parliamentary inquiry into his family’s data protection consultancy, claiming it has improperly benefited him in his position. Montenegro has refuted any alleged ethical violations, while prosecutors are evaluating certain claims, although no formal investigation is currently active.

President Rebelo de Sousa expressed that the election was largely unexpected and lamented the ensuing political crisis’s impact on the electoral campaign, emphasizing the necessity for a respectful debate. Despite this, Montenegro’s Social Democratic Party continues to support his leadership in the upcoming election, attributing the blame for the crisis to opposition parties. Nonetheless, political analysts suggest that Montenegro’s responsibility for the early election has eroded public trust.

Recent surveys indicate the main opposition Socialist Party holds a slight edge over Montenegro’s alliance, with both hovering around 30%—suggesting limited change since the last elections. This scenario generates concerns over potential ongoing political instability. The far-right Chega party appears to be polling third, albeit slightly lower than their previous year’s results, attributed to scandals involving senior members.

Although Portugal has experienced political turmoil in recent years, the country’s economic growth has outpaced many EU nations, with notable budget surpluses and reduced debt levels. Economists believe immediate economic risks from holding another election are minimal. However, given the public’s frustration regarding political instability and repeated elections, analysts predict an increase in voter abstention this time.

In summary, Portugal’s forthcoming snap election on May 18 results from the collapse of the minority government led by Prime Minister Montenegro, who faced accusations of conflict of interest. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s decision to call this election followed extensive consultations with political parties. Analysts forecast increased abstention rates due to voter fatigue and disappointment with political leaders, despite Portugal’s resilience in economic performance over recent years.

Original Source: www.heraldnews.com