Portugal’s snap elections have redrawn the country’s political map. The center Democratic Alliance (AD), led by Luís Montenegro, emerged as the most voted force after the collapse of the Socialist Party (PS), which, for the first time ever, ended up tied in terms of seats with the patriotic party Chega. A scenario unthinkable just a few years ago—back in 2019, Chega was barely present in parliament.
With 32.10% of the vote and 89 seats, the AD has claimed victory, although still far from the 116 needed for an outright majority. The Socialists plunged to 24.38%, securing only 58 seats—20 fewer than in the previous legislature—and, for the first time, tied with Chega, which achieved a historic 22.56% and a spectacular surge of nearly five points, consolidating itself as the third political force and the spearhead of the new patriotic right in Portugal.
This result opens a complex scenario. Montenegro has reiterated his refusal to negotiate with Chega, sticking to a so-called firewall approach, despite the numbers clearly pointing toward a potential majority through a right-wing alliance. The situation bears a resemblance to Austria, where the mainstream center eventually agreed to govern alongside the patriots but then turned to the socialists. In Portugal, the center-right must now decide: will it continue blocking Chega and govern with the left, or will it embrace a natural majority with the new right?
The Left in crisis: Pedro Nuno Santos resigns
The electoral collapse has triggered a new shockwave: Pedro Nuno Santos announced his resignation as leader of the Socialist Party after confirming the loss of seats and the historic tie with Chega. “These are difficult times for the left,” the former minister admitted, visibly shaken. He also made it clear that he will not run in the upcoming internal elections already called by the party, which now faces the task of redefining its direction in a more fragmented parliament and with voters shifting rightward.
The Socialist crisis is compounded by the shadow of the corruption probe that led to António Costa’s resignation in 2023. Costa has since been promoted to President of the European Council, a move that has stirred quiet discontent within the Socialist ranks and among large segments of public opinion, who see a growing disconnect between the Socialist elite and the country’s real concerns.
Founded in 2019, Chega has gone from political irrelevance to a position of real power. Its leader, André Ventura, has successfully channeled public frustration over uncontrolled immigration, political instability, and the privileges of the ruling class. Despite suffering several health incidents during the campaign, Ventura delivered Chega’s best-ever result, tying with the Socialists and demanding a seat at the table in shaping the next government.
