Portugal, traditionally known for its stable political landscape, is grappling with uncertainty after Sunday’s general election, where an unexpected surge catapulted the far-right Chega (Enough) party into the spotlight.
With nail-biting competition between two moderate mainstream parties, the Democratic Alliance led by the centre-right Social Democrats secured 79 seats, while the centre-left Socialist Party, in power for the past eight years, secured 77 seats in the 230-seat National Assembly.
The future of Portugal’s government now hinges on the deciding votes from overseas, which will distribute the final four parliamentary seats. This process is expected to take more than two weeks, leaving the nation in suspense as it awaits the final outcome.
The far-right Chega party, led by Andre Ventura, made a significant mark by finishing third with 48 seats, tripling its vote from the previous election in 2022.
The unprecedented result underscores a shift in Portugal’s political landscape and highlights a growing trend towards right-wing politics within the European Union.
The longstanding dominance of the moderate Social Democrats and Socialists, who have alternated in power for decades, is now being challenged by the rise of a radical right party. The potential support of Chega could hold the key to a functioning government for the Social Democrats, who may seek a parliamentary majority.
The election, which saw a notable 66 percent turnout—the highest in Portugal for years—signalled a departure from the traditional two-party system. The surge in support for Chega points to a period of political uncertainty, with the far-right party positioned as a kingmaker that can no longer be ignored by mainstream parties.
“One thing is for sure tonight, the two-party system in Portugal is finished,” declared Chega leader Andre Ventura, emphasising the seismic shift in the country’s political landscape. As Portugal anxiously awaits the final outcome, the far-right’s unprecedented success has left the nation on edge, anticipating a new era in its political history.
In a note sent to Express.co.uk, Italian MEPs Marco Zanni, president of the Id group, and Marco Campomenosi, head of the Lega delegation to the European Parliament congratulated their Chega ally.
They said: “Extraordinary result for our Chega friends in the elections in Portugal, who alone against everyone else managed to accomplish an unprecedented feat.
“Congratulations to André Ventura and his candidates: the growth everywhere of the parties that make up Identity and Democracy is excellent news, an important signal that confirms the great desire for change that exists throughout the EU with respect to those forces that for years have governed in Brussels with ideological policies and bad choices.
“Let’s carry on like this to change this Europe.”
