Portugal is set for a snap legislative election on May 18 after Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s resignation due to a conflict of interest scandal. This upcoming election marks the third national election in three years. The Socialist party is currently leading in opinion polls, with Montenegro indicating his intention to run again. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s swift decision aims to curtail political instability and direct attention to pressing issues such as the economy and healthcare.
On Thursday, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced a snap legislative election scheduled for May 18. This follows the resignation of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro amid a conflict of interest controversy, marking Portugal’s third national election in three years. The Socialist party is currently leading in opinion polls, and President Rebelo de Sousa’s decision aims to mitigate prolonged political instability.
In a televised address, President Rebelo de Sousa emphasized the importance of a swift election, stating that May 18 was the favored date among most political parties. He also engaged in discussions with party leaders prior to dissolving parliament, highlighting the urgent need for focus on pressing national issues such as the economy and healthcare.
Montenegro’s resignation came after his minority center-right government faced a confidence vote, spurred by allegations of conflicts of interest related to government contracts held by his family business. Despite stepping down, Montenegro plans to run for prime minister again in the upcoming election, where the Socialist party is marginally ahead at 30.8%, compared to 25.8% for his party.
Political analyst Antonio Costa Pinto labeled the President’s call for elections as a tactical maneuver to protect Montenegro from an imposed inquiry regarding his family business’s deals. The controversy continues to cast a shadow over Montenegro’s political future, with opposition parties demanding more transparency about his family’s business dealings.
In conclusion, the looming snap legislative election in Portugal signals a significant moment in the country’s political landscape. Following Prime Minister Montenegro’s resignation, Portugal aims to swiftly address the political instability while the Socialist party leads in polling. As election day approaches, the focus will likely remain on economic and healthcare issues, with Montenegro preparing to reclaim his position amidst ongoing scrutiny regarding his family’s business conflicts.
Original Source: www.france24.com
