Sun May 18 22:12:55 UTC 2025: ## Portugal Faces More Uncertainty as Election Results Point to Another Fragile Government
**Lisbon, Portugal** – Portugal’s ruling center-right Democratic Alliance (AD) is poised to win the most votes in Sunday’s parliamentary election, but falling short of a majority, exit polls indicate, extending a period of political instability for the nation. This marks the third election in as many years, triggered by the collapse of Prime Minister Luis Montenegro’s minority government after a vote of no confidence in March.
Issues such as housing and immigration dominated the campaign, reflecting public frustration after a decade of unstable governments. Exit polls suggest the AD secured between 29% and 35.1% of the vote, mirroring the results of the previous election.
The main rival, the center-left Socialist Party (PS), is projected to receive between 19.4% and 26% of the vote, in a near tie with the far-right Chega party, which saw a surge in support, reaching a predicted 19.5% to 25.5%. Montenegro has ruled out any coalition with Chega.
With the AD likely to secure between 85 and 96 seats, well short of the 116 needed for a majority in the 230-seat parliament, Portugal faces the prospect of another minority government or complex negotiations with smaller parties.
“There is a search for a stable solution, but that will now depend on [people’s] choices,” Montenegro told reporters after casting his vote.
Analysts warn the new parliament will likely resemble the last, with the longevity of any government hinging on various factors, including international events and the AD’s ability to forge alliances.
“This campaign was very, very weak,” commented Isabel Monteiro, a teacher in Lisbon, highlighting a general sense of “disenchantment” with all parties.
The election results cast doubt on an end to the political instability that has plagued Portugal, traditionally dominated by the Social Democrats (leading the AD) and the Socialist Party.
First Piper 