Portuguese Parliament Denies Confidence Motion, Leading to Government Resignation
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Synopsis
On March 12, the Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro lost a confidence vote, resulting in his government's resignation after under a year in office. The opposition's overwhelming support against him marked a significant political shift, prompting expectations of snap elections in the near future.
Key Takeaways
- Montenegro's government resigned after a failed confidence vote.
- Only three parties supported him, while the majority opposed.
- President is expected to call for snap elections soon.
- Montenegro's leadership faced scrutiny due to a scandal.
- The coalition held 80 seats in a 230-seat assembly.
Lisbon, March 12 (NationPress) The Prime Minister of Portugal, Luis Montenegro, faced defeat in a confidence vote, leading to the resignation of his government after less than a year in power.
Among the 224 parliamentarians who took part in the vote, only Montenegro's Social Democratic Party (PSD), the People's Party (CDS-PP), and the Liberal Initiative supported him. In contrast, members from the Socialist Party (PS), the far-right Chega, the Left Bloc (BE), the Communist Party (PCP), Livre, and the lone MP from PAN opposed him, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
The precise vote tally was not disclosed immediately, but Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco, the parliament speaker, confirmed the downfall of the centre-right government.
This government, a coalition led by the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and in power for under a year, held merely 80 seats in the 230-seat assembly, facing overwhelming opposition pledging to vote against it.
According to the constitution of Portugal, a failed confidence motion necessitates the resignation of the government. Montenegro's administration will now function in a caretaker role, managing only critical and urgent issues.
It is anticipated that President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will dissolve parliament and announce snap elections, potentially set for either May 11 or May 18.
Montenegro himself initiated the confidence vote, following two previous motions during his leadership, which had been under scrutiny due to a conflict-of-interest scandal linked to a family business.
As the head of the centre-right Democratic Alliance, Montenegro assumed office in April 2024 after his coalition won the general elections. Nevertheless, his alliance captured only 80 seats in the 230-seat legislature, compared to the PS's 78 seats and Chega's 50 seats.
