Portugal’s Parliament Struggles to Elect Speaker as Right Wing Gains Momentum

On Wednesday, Portugal’s Parliament struggled to select a speaker following three unsuccessful attempts on Tuesday.

These events showed the weakness of the center-right coalition and the growing power of the nationalistic right.

The Democratic Alliance (AD) barely won over the Socialist Party in the March 10 election. However, it did not secure a majority.

The nationalistic right Chega party increased its seats fourfold, reflecting a broader trend of right-wing populism in Europe.

To solve the deadlock, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the socialists suggested a shared presidency.

PSD’s Joaquim Miranda Sarmento proposed José Pedro Aguiar Branco as the first president. Francisco Assis from the Socialist Party would take over for the second half of the term.

This plan did not make the two parties allies. Together, they have 156 seats, enough to elect a speaker.

Yet, with only 80 seats, the AD’s government may face instability. It needs support from Chega, whose leader demanded a lasting agreement.

New Prime Minister Luis Montenegro of the AD refused any deal with Chega. Still, Chega’s leader André Ventura claimed an understanding of the election was reached.

But when AD members denied this, their candidate lost. Ventura then criticized the AD.

After a new proposal on Wednesday, Ventura noted the PSD had picked its ally. This decision is crucial for governing.

This situation matters because it shows how political alliances and conflicts can impact governance and highlights the changing political landscape in Portugal and Europe.

Background

In Portugal’s latest parliamentary elections, right-wing parties saw a notable increase in representation, expanding from 97 to 135 seats in the Assembly of the Republic.

This growth signifies a shift in the nation’s political mood and mirrors a broader European pattern of rising right-wing influence.

Founded in 2019, Chega secured 48 seats, marking a significant 300% increase in parliamentary strength from its initial 12 seats.

Chega’s rise to the third-most significant political entity reflects a broader trend of right-wing populism. Its leader’s views, often described as far-right, have drawn criticism.

The Democratic Alliance (AD), comprising PSD, CDS-PP, and PPM, slightly raised its seat count from 77 to 79. The Liberal Initiative (IL) maintained its presence with 8 seats.