Portugal braces for a possible 3rd election in 3 years – Washington Examiner
Portugal is facing the prospect of a third general election in three years, prompted by a confidence vote in the parliament concerning the center-right minority government led by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro. This situation arises amidst increasing pressure over potential conflicts of interest related to Montenegro’s family law firm, which has business ties with a government-conceded gambling company. the government, consisting of the Social Democratic Party and it’s ally the Popular Party, only has 80 seats in the 230-seat legislature and has faced significant opposition, with two major parties planning to vote against it in an upcoming debate. The political crisis could create uncertainty for Portugal, which is managing ample EU advancement funds and dealing with broader European challenges. If the government is ousted, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa prefers new elections to occur around mid-May 2024. The current election cycle was not expected until January 2028.
Portugal braces for a possible 3rd election in 3 years after government calls confidence vote
LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Portugal could be headed for its third general election in three years after parliament on Friday scheduled a confidence vote on the center-right minority government, which has been under pressure for weeks over the business ties of Prime Minister Luis Montenegro. A large majority of opposition lawmakers say they will vote to remove the government from power.
The government, made up of the Social Democratic Party and its smaller ally the Popular Party, has just 80 seats in the 230-seat legislature. It has been in office for less than a year.
FOR HUNTER, THE BIDEN BUSINESS GOES BUST
The government asked for parliament to schedule the confidence motion, saying it was needed to “dispel uncertainty” about the government’s ability to put its policies into practice.
The two largest opposition parties, which together hold 128 seats, have said they will vote against the government in next Tuesday’s debate. Other smaller parties say they will join them.
The political crisis could consign the European Union member state of 10.6 million people to months of uncertainty amid continental challenges to security and the economy. The government is also in charge of distributing more than 22 billion euros ($24 billion) in EU development funds to Portuguese investment projects.
WHAT IS DOGE? WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY
Political tension has gripped the country for weeks amid questions about potential conflicts of interest in the business dealings of the prime minister’s family law firm.
Montenegro, who plans to stand for reelection, has denied any wrongdoing. He said he placed control of the firm in the hands of his wife and children when he became Social Democratic leader in 2022 and has not been involved in its management.
But opposition parties have called for more detailed explanations of the firm’s business. Most recently, it emerged that the firm is receiving monthly payments from a company that has a major gambling concession granted by the government.
With Tuesday’s vote likely to force the government’s resignation, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has said any new election would be preferable around mid-May. The head of state has the authority to call elections.
Portugal has been caught up in a rising European tide of populism, with a radical-right party called Chega (Enough) surging into third place in last year’s election and potentially gathering more parliamentary seats as voters tire of going to the polls.
FULL LIST OF EXECUTIVE ORDERS, ACTIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS TRUMP HAS MADE AS PRESIDENT
The Social Democrats are hoping that economic growth estimated at 1.9% last year, compared with the EU’s 0.8% average, and a jobless rate of 6.4%, roughly the EU average, will persuade voters to stick with them. The center-left Socialist Party is traditionally their main rival and is the second biggest group in parliament.
The next general election in Portugal was scheduled for January 2028.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...