Far-Right Chega Secures Second Place in Portugal’s Snap Election
In a historic shift, Portugal’s far-right Chega party has emerged as the main opposition in Portugal Parliament. The final results of the May 18 Portugal Parliament election pushed Chega ahead of the Socialist Party (PS), marking a dramatic transformation in the country’s political landscape.
Chega, led by André Ventura, won 60 seats in the 230-member National Assembly, surpassing the PS, which stayed at 58 seats. This followed the counting of overseas votes, which tipped the balance.
Portugal Parliament: Democratic Alliance Wins, But Falls Short of Majority
The centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD), led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, came first with 91 seats and 31.8% of the vote. However, the party fell well short of the 116 seats needed for a majority.
Montenegro ruled out any coalition with Chega, calling the party “unreliable and unfit to govern.” Instead, he will form a minority government, despite the risk of political instability.
Portugal Parliament: Chega’s Meteoric Rise Since 2019
Founded in 2019, Chega has gone from 1.3% of the vote in its first election to 22.76% this year. It previously held just one seat. By 2022, it had 50 seats, and now it’s the second-largest party in the Assembly.
Chega’s campaign focused on:
- Anti-immigration
- Political corruption
- Abuse of welfare
- National security
Its slogan, “Save Portugal”, resonated with voters frustrated by housing shortages, low wages, and struggling public services.
Portugal Parliament: Socialist Party’s Defeat Triggers Leadership Crisis
The Socialist Party (PS) suffered a major setback, losing 20 seats. Party leader Pedro Nuno Santos resigned on election night. PS president Carlos César admitted defeat, pledging reform and renewal after a new leader is chosen in June.
Scandals Hit Chega, But Fail to Derail Momentum
Despite its anti-corruption rhetoric, Chega has faced several scandals:
- An MP accused of stealing luggage at airports
- Another caught drunk-driving
- A third charged in a child sex case
Still, its supporters remained loyal. Ventura called the result a “great victory for Portugal”, claiming the country’s political system had “changed forever.”
No Clear Path to Power for Chega
Despite its gains, Chega remains isolated in parliament. Both AD and the Liberal Initiative party refuse to cooperate with Ventura. The latter holds 9 seats, which Montenegro hopes to use for support in forming his minority government.
Portugal Faces New Era of Political Fragmentation
This snap election — Portugal’s third in three years — was triggered after Montenegro lost a confidence vote tied to alleged conflicts of interest in his business dealings. He denies any wrongdoing.
As Montenegro prepares to lead a fragile government, analysts warn of a fragmented legislature and continued volatility. Chega’s rise mirrors broader far-right gains across Europe, with similar surges seen in parties like Germany’s AfD.
Conclusion: A Turning Point in Portuguese Politics
The May 2025 election marks a turning point for Portugal. The two-party dominance of PS and PSD has given way to a multi-party era. Chega’s rise signals a growing appetite for radical alternatives — and a new chapter in the nation’s political future.
Portuguese Parliament – Assembleia da República
Poland Presidential Election: Rafal Trzaskowski- Karol Nawrocki Head to Runoff on June 1
Spain Parliament Approves Motion to Ban Arms Sales to Israel Over Gaza War
Hungary Parliament Approves International Criminal Court (ICC) Withdrawal Bill
Portugal Election: Centre-Right Democratic Alliance Wins, But No Majority Again
