Portugal Election: Ruling AD Wins, Yet Falls Short of Majority

The ruling Democratic Alliance in Portugal won the most seats in the recent election but falls short of a majority, with the far-right Chega party gaining ground. AD leader Luis Montenegro rules out a coalition with Chega, while the political landscape reflects significant challenges like immigration and housing crises. The repeated elections point towards ongoing instability.

In the recent general election held in Portugal, the ruling Democratic Alliance (AD) emerged as the dominant party, but once again failed to secure a majority in parliament. As it stands, AD garnered a substantial 32.7% of the votes, yet this was not enough to reach the 42% needed for a commanding majority. Meanwhile, the Socialist Party and the far-right Chega party followed with 23.4% and 22.6% of the votes, respectively, indicating a shifting political landscape in the country.

This latest electoral round marks the third election within a span of three years. The AD leader and acting Prime Minister, Luis Montenegro, will need to navigate through negotiations with smaller parties to form a stable coalition, given that the AD will be short on the 116 seats required to form a government in the 230-seat assembly.

Following last year’s political turmoil, Montenegro’s government collapsed earlier this year after a failed vote of confidence—an event linked to questions regarding his integrity and the dealings of his family’s consultancy business. Montenegro has consistently denied any wrongdoing and reports indicate that many voters dismissed the opposition’s allegations.

Notably, the far-right Chega party appears to have exceeded expectations with its electoral performance, capturing a significant presence in parliament, largely due to its hardline stance on immigration policies. Its leader, Andre Ventura, despite recent health setbacks, managed to rally support leading up to the election.

The incoming administration will have to grapple with pressing issues like housing and immigration, both which have been at the forefront of voter concerns. Portugal has experienced a notable surge in immigration in recent years, growing from fewer than 500,000 legal immigrants in 2018 to over 1.5 million in recent months. This influx, predominantly from Brazil and Asian nations, particularly in the tourism and farming sectors, has exacerbated existing tensions.

Housing remains another crucial issue, with prices soaring as a result of high demand and limited supply. The National Statistics Institute reported that property prices increased by nearly 9% last year, and rent prices in areas like Lisbon reached their highest growth in three decades. Meanwhile, the average monthly salary of around €1,200 has not kept pace with rising living costs, adding strain to a populace already grappling with one of Western Europe’s lowest wage standards.

In summary, the Portuguese elections form a complicated picture. With a ruling party unable to secure a majority and the rise of far-right sentiments, the political scene is unstable. The focus will now shift to whether Montenegro can foster a viable coalition and address the pressing concerns facing the nation.

In conclusion, the recent election in Portugal has highlighted significant challenges and shifting voter priorities within the political landscape. The ruling Democratic Alliance continues to face difficulties in achieving a parliamentary majority, while the rise of the far-right Chega party has underscored growing discontent among the electorate. As the country grapples with serious socio-economic issues like housing and immigration, the future political stability remains uncertain.

Original Source: www.dw.com