Portugal's government at crossroads: Far-right alliance or Socialist cooperation?
Portugal's political landscape faces a critical juncture as Luís Montenegro's center-right government weighs its next moves. The Socialist Party's secretary-general, José Luís Carneiro, has demanded clarity on whether the ruling Aliança Democrática (AD) will seek alliances with the far-right Chega party or pursue cooperation with the Socialists. His warning came during a speech at the Socialist Party's 25th National Congress, where he stressed the need to protect democracy from instability and extremism. Montenegro currently leads a minority AD government, formed after the March 2024 election but collapsing within 11 months. New elections in May 2025 left AD polling at 28-29.6%, while Chega surged to 25.3%. Though no formal pact exists between the two, their combined support could reach 56.1%, raising questions about future governance.
Carneiro made it clear that the Constitution and democratic institutions are not negotiable. He condemned any attempts to weaken the Constitutional Court or disrupt democratic checks, vowing a 'resounding no' to such moves. His stance, he insisted, was driven by 'democratic imperative' rather than partisan interests. The Socialist leader also cautioned Montenegro against 'courting the wind', warning that such a path would bring a 'storm' for the government. With President António José Seguro prioritising stability after his March 2026 inauguration, the pressure is on AD to avoid further political turmoil.
The Socialists have set a firm line against far-right influence, leaving Montenegro with a stark choice. Either he seeks 'moderate convergences' with the left or risks deeper instability by aligning with Chega. The outcome will shape Portugal's political direction in the months ahead.
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