Politics Portugal's conservative government toppled by parliament
After just under a year in office, the conservative minority government in Portugal has fallen. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro clearly lost the vote of confidence in parliament in Lisbon. Montenegro had been cornered by the opposition in recent weeks. It was about allegations of a conflict of interest due to a family business owned by the 52-year-old.
11.03.2025, 21:25
SDA
Portugal is therefore facing its third early parliamentary election since the beginning of 2022. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa could now appoint another politician from the governing Democratic Alliance (AD) or opposition leader Pedro Nuno Santos from the Socialist Party PS to form a new government. However, it is likely that the head of state will dissolve parliament and call elections.
Possible new elections in mid-May
Due to the escalating crisis, Rebelo had already canceled a visit to Estonia planned for Wednesday last week and assured journalists that he wanted to ensure a quick solution. A new election could take place on May 11 or 18, he explained at the time.
The crisis came as quite a surprise, as the former EU debtor continues to record good growth rates and historically low unemployment with continued strict spending discipline even after the change of government in spring 2024. However, events have come thick and fast in recent weeks.
What exactly is Montenegro accused of?
The opposition accuses Montenegro of taking advantage. The consulting and real estate company Spinumviva, founded by the trained lawyer in 2021, is said to have benefited from the prime minister's position in order to sign contracts with private companies. The head of government denies any irregularities. The company now only belongs to his sons. However, he did not disclose any information about the company's clients.
Montenegro survived two votes of no confidence during the affair. However, as the opposition did not want to give up their plans for a commission of inquiry, he called a vote of confidence. The new election was a "necessary evil". "Two months of instability are better than a year and a half of slow disintegration," emphasized the outgoing head of government.
The prime minister did not want a long, grueling investigation
According to observers, Montenegro is accepting the possible new election because he wanted to avoid a grueling investigation at all costs - and because, according to polls, his AD alliance can hope for a victory even with a better result than in March 2024. The ousted politician has already announced that he intends to run again despite the allegations.
The last election for the time being was only held on March 10, 2024, after the then Socialist Prime Minister António Costa resigned due to corruption investigations against him and other members of the government. As things stand, however, Costa is not guilty of anything. The 63-year-old is now President of the European Council.
