The Results of Legislative Elections 2025

Resultados das Eleições Legislativas 2025


Why did Portugal Hold its 3rd Legislative Election in just 3 years?

Portugal held another election on May 18th, 2025, due to ongoing political instability. In March 2024, when LuĂ­s Montenegro, leader of Aliança Democrática (AD), became Prime Minister without a majority in Parliament. To govern, he would have needed to ally with the far-right party Chega, but he refused to protect AD’s centrist position. 

In early 2025, a scandal erupted over Montenegro's alleged failure to fully declare family-linked assets, undermining his leadership and triggering new legislative elections.

Elections May 18th, 2025

The results were once again divided. AD won the most seats (86), followed by PS and Chega (58 each). But no party got the 116 seats needed for a majority.

Montenegro and AD now face three “viable” options:

  • An alliance with PS: Unlikely due to mistrust and tension.

  • An alliance with Chega: Ruled out by Montenegro due to Chega’s extremist views

  • Minority Government: The most likely path, but it means negotiating every law and budget.

This is particularly risky when it comes to the State Budget. If it fails, Portugal could face an Orçamento Duodécimo (provisional budget), limiting public investment and risking EU funds.

If things do not go as planned, a new election is impossible until at least mid-2026, due to upcoming presidential elections. If the political parties do not find a solution, the President might have to step in and look for a new Prime Minister.

The government major challenges:

  1. Immigration Pressure: Portugal now has 1.5 million immigrants, up from 550,000 in 2018. This requires managing integration, labour market needs, and rising social tensions, particularly with far-right rhetoric growing louder.

  2. Housing Crisis: High prices, partly due to digital nomads and expats, are pushing locals out of the market.

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