Why is Portugal holding snap elections?

Portugal votes in a snap general election this Sunday, just one year after Prime Minister Luís Montenegro came to power. The country is gripped by political uncertainty, economic strain — and the rapid rise of the far-right.

Why is Portugal holding snap elections?

Sunday’s snap elections come after Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s government lost a confidence vote on March 11th, triggered by revelations that he failed to properly declare private income and property dealings.

The controversy centers on the omission of earnings and real estate transactions linked to his legal practice and personal assets from his mandatory declaration of interests. Montenegro denies any wrongdoing, insisting he has "nothing to hide" and claiming the accusations are politically motivated.

But the incident has dented not only his image but of the social-democrats (PSD) as a whole as a clean break from the corruption-tainted past of the opposition Socialists (PS).

For many voters, it’s not just about one scandal, but what it symbolizes: a sense that regardless of the party in power, transparency and accountability remain elusive.

What’s at stake?

Beyond the political drama, the country is facing serious challenges. Soaring rents, exacerbated by a booming tourism sector and immigration, have triggered a housing crisis. Since 2010 property prices have increased 120% and in 2024 that increase was 10%, three times higher than the EU average. Paired with a collapsing public healthcare system, and deepening poverty this has left many Portuguese voters frustrated and pushed thousands to leave the country. Public trust in the government — and in politics more broadly — is eroding fast.

"We need a government that brings stability, not a Prime Minister with a new scandal every week. People want to talk about the issues that affect them like housing, healthcare, the economy", Socialista MP Miguel Costa Matos told CGTN.

Why are traditional parties struggling?

Portugal’s political landscape has been dominated for decades by two main blocs: the center-right Social Democrats (PSD) and the center-left Socialists (PS). But both have been rocked by repeated corruption and ethical scandals, with three of the last four Prime Ministers involved in corruption investigations. The political establishment is now struggling to connect with an increasingly disillusioned electorate.

Polls suggest no party is likely to secure a majority, as it has happened every election cycle since 2015  — meaning coalition talks will be essential and potentially unstable.

Who is CHEGA and why are they rising?

One of the biggest stories of this election is the meteoric rise of the far-right CHEGA party. Just a few years ago, CHEGA held a single seat in parliament. Now, it's the third-largest force and expected to win— making it a deal breaker in any future coalition and the effectiveness of the parliament.

Tapping into public anger over immigration, crime, and inequality, CHEGA presents itself as a radical alternative to what it calls Portugal’s corrupt and out-of-touch political elite.

"Both main parties are fighting to survive," said political analyst João Maria Jonet. "The real competition now is who gets replaced by CHEGA — and where the new political center will lie."

What happens next? 

With no clear majority in sight, Sunday's vote could usher in weeks of coalition talks. Whether Portugal ends up with a functioning government — or a return to political paralysis — remains to be seen.

For voters, the question isn't just who wins, it’s whether anyone can lead effectively in this fractured political moment.