Portugal Votes Amidst Political Turmoil and Scandal

Portugal heads to the polls for the third time in three years this Sunday, May 18th, 2025. The election is to choose 230 deputies and determine the next Prime Minister. Eight parties or coalitions are competing. Opinion polls suggest the center-right Democratic Alliance, led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, will remain in power. However, the election follows a period of political instability. Montenegro, appointed in 2024, initially led a minority government that was rejected by Parliament, triggering the new election. The main opposition is the Socialist Party, which has governed Portugal longer than any other party since democratization. The election is also significant due to a recent scandal involving a consulting firm and Montenegro's past work with them, leading to accusations of conflict of interest. The Socialist Party has called for an investigation into the matter. Despite the controversy, recent polls still favor Montenegro's coalition.