In a significant political shift, Portugal’s far-right Chega party has been confirmed as the main opposition party following the final results of the recent legislative election. This announcement came late Wednesday night, marking a pivotal moment for the ultranationalist group as it solidifies its position in the country’s political landscape.
The electoral authority, having counted the ballots cast from abroad, allocated two additional parliamentary seats to Chega. This adjustment also saw Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s Democratic Alliance coalition, which secured the highest votes in the May 18 election, gaining two extra seats. Consequently, the center-right coalition maintains its status as the dominant force in Parliament, holding a total of 91 out of 230 seats, while André Ventura’s Chega now commands 60 lawmakers.
Chega’s rapid ascent in Portuguese politics
Chega’s rise as Portugal’s leading opposition party reflects the remarkable growth of far-right sentiments within the nation. Over the past six years, the party has escalated from having a single lawmaker to now exercising control over more than a quarter of the legislative body’s seats. This transformation has been fueled by a campaign that resonated with voters, portraying mainstream parties as corrupt and inept in addressing critical issues such as persistently low wages, the housing crisis, and rising immigration.
Support from expatriate communities in France, Luxembourg, the UK, and Brazil significantly contributed to Chega’s success, as many were attracted by the party’s promises to create favorable economic conditions for emigrés wishing to return home. During a speech to supporters, Ventura emphasized his commitment to a “smooth and healthy regime change,” indicating that those who should be worried are “those who have spent the past 50 years robbing Portugal.”
Implications for the Socialist Party and future elections
The far-right party’s gains in this latest election cycle, which marks the third election in three years, have come largely at the expense of the Socialist Party. Chega made significant inroads across the southern regions of Portugal, winning in areas previously held by the Socialists since the 1974 Carnation Revolution.
Just last year, the Socialists enjoyed an absolute majority under Prime Minister António Costa. However, they have struggled to regain stability following Costa’s resignation amid a scandal and his subsequent appointment as president of the European Council. In the wake of these events, the party will elect former Interior Minister José Luís Carneiro as its new leader, replacing Pedro Nuno Santos, who resigned on election night.
Carniero, distinct in his lack of scandalous associations, is expected to pursue a moderate approach. He is considered essential for fostering collaboration with Montenegro’s coalition and countering Chega’s influence on a national scale. To that end, he has expressed his intention to support the incumbent prime minister’s efforts to quickly form a new minority government.
As the nation approaches local elections this fall, Chega is anticipated to expand its influence further, aiming to capture as many as 21 city halls, including key municipalities such as Sintra, Montijo, Vila Franca de Xira, and Alenquer, all of which have traditionally been governed by left-leaning parties since the end of the Estado Novo dictatorship.