What's happened
Portugal's presidential election is underway with 11 candidates, including far-right leader Andre Ventura. Polls suggest Ventura could lead in the first round but will likely lose in the runoff. The election marks a rare moment of political fragmentation, with the presidency remaining largely ceremonial but influential.
What's behind the headline?
The election underscores Portugal's shifting political landscape, with the far-right gaining ground in a country traditionally dominated by centrist parties. Ventura's potential to top the first round indicates growing voter support for populist and nationalist rhetoric, especially around immigration. However, his high rejection rate suggests he will face a tough challenge in the runoff, where more moderate candidates are expected to consolidate against him. The election's outcome could influence Portugal's political direction, especially if Ventura's support translates into increased influence for the far-right in parliamentary support. The largely ceremonial role of the president means the real power remains with the parliament and government, but a strong far-right showing could embolden similar movements across Europe, impacting regional stability and EU politics.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera highlights Ventura's potential to top the first round but emphasizes he would lose in the runoff, noting the election's significance as the first in four decades without an outright winner. Reuters provides detailed polling data, showing Ventura's support within margins of error and his high rejection rate, framing the election as a test of his popularity and future ambitions. France 24 echoes these points, stressing the record number of candidates and the likelihood of a second-round contest, with Ventura's support seen as a challenge to the traditional political order. All sources agree that while Ventura's support is rising, his chances of winning the presidency outright remain slim, and the election signals a broader trend of political fragmentation and the rise of populist movements in Portugal.
How we got here
Portugal's last significant runoff election was in 1986, reflecting a historically stable political landscape. The rise of the far-right Chega party, founded in 2019, has disrupted this stability, with its leader Andre Ventura gaining substantial support. The presidency is mostly ceremonial but can influence legislation and government stability, making this election a key moment for Portugal's political future.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What Are the Key Political Shifts Happening Today in Portugal, the UK, and New York City?
Today’s news highlights significant political changes across the globe, from Portugal’s presidential race to UK border policies and New York City’s mayoral residence. Curious about what’s driving these shifts and what they mean for the future? Below, we answer the most common questions about these major developments and explore their broader implications.
-
What’s Next for Portugal’s Election and Political Future?
Portugal's upcoming presidential election is capturing attention due to its fragmented political landscape and rising populist support. With 11 candidates vying for the presidency, including the far-right contender Andre Ventura, the election could signal significant shifts in Portugal’s political scene. Many wonder how these developments will impact the country’s stability and what role populism is playing in shaping its future. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding Portugal’s election and what it means for the nation moving forward.
More on these topics
-
Marcelo Nuno Duarte Rebelo de Sousa (European Portuguese: [mɐɾˈsɛlu ʁɨˈβelu ðɨ ˈsozɐ]; born 12 December 1948) is a Portuguese politician and academic who is the president of Portugal since 2016. He is a member of the Social Democratic Party,
-
Portugal, officially the Portuguese Republic, is a country located mostly on the Iberian Peninsula, in southwestern Europe. It is the westernmost sovereign state of mainland Europe, being bordered to the west and south by the Atlantic Ocean and to the nor
-
Vice-Admiral Henrique Eduardo Passaláqua de Gouveia e Melo GCA ComA is a Portuguese Navy officer, currently serving as the Adjutant for Planning and Coordination of the Armed Forces General Staff, as well as the coordinator of the Task Force for the nati