Portugal‘s voting booths are bustling as citizens participate in a pivotal election, determining whether to uphold the status quo of center-left policies or opt for a shift towards right-leaning ideologies.
According to opinion polls, neither the Socialists nor the opposition center-right are poised for a clear victory, potentially setting the stage for the far-right Chega party to emerge as a pivotal player, despite assurances from mainstream competitors to marginalize its influence.
Four months after Antonio Costa stepped down as prime minister amidst corruption claims, the nation braces for elections. Although Mr. Costa wasn’t directly implicated, his chief of staff was arrested in connection with alleged irregularities in state deals.
André Ventura, at the helm of the Chega (Enough) party, has capitalized on the case, making corruption and immigration the focal points of his campaign.
Despite the Socialists’ track record of fostering economic growth, Portuguese citizens are troubled by the surge in inflation, the erosion of public services, and the ongoing housing crisis.
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Known for his background as a former center-right councilor and briefly trained priest, Mr. Ventura gained fame as a television football commentator. With his bold policy proposals, Chega, led by him, garnered 7% of the vote in the 2022 legislative elections.
According to polls, Chega may double its previous score, potentially allowing it to support a minority center-right government, albeit with conditions. However, Luís Montenegro, leader of the center-right Democratic Alliance, has ruled out seeking Chega’s support for his agenda of tax cuts and free-market reforms.
Pedro Nuno Santos, a former minister in Mr. Costa’s administration, leads the Socialists and has consistently advocated for the outgoing government’s performance.
Over the course of eight years under Socialist rule, unemployment has seen a decrease, and the economy recorded a growth of 2.3% last year. A significant 10.8 million individuals are eligible to vote in the parliamentary elections, which will determine the composition of the 230-member parliament.