On May 30, 2025, Portugal’s newly reappointed Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, has dismissed the prospect of constitutional reform, a demand from the far-right Chega party that secured second place in the recent elections. Following the conclusion of vote counting, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa officially confirmed Montenegro’s leadership of Portugal’s 25th government. In the parliamentary elections, Montenegro’s Democratic Alliance (AD) won 91 seats, while Chega emerged with 60, and the Socialist Party (PS) followed closely with 58 seats. This electoral outcome marked a significant shift in Portugal’s political landscape, challenging the longstanding dominance of both the centre-right and centre-left parties.
Shortly after his reappointment, Montenegro emphasized his intention to form a minority government and reiterated that constitutional revision is not on his government’s agenda. He stated, “Later on, we’ll be able to discuss this issue. We’re not going to do it any time soon and so we’re not prepared to entertain that discussion.” Instead, Montenegro committed his administration to focus on more immediate priorities, specifically aimed at boosting the economy, enhancing public services, and reforming the national health service. His clear stance against constitutional changes reflects his wish to prioritize issues that align with the prevailing demands of the electorate.
The political dynamics post-election have prompted a cooperative stance from both Chega and the PS, with leaders from both parties signaling their commitment to ensure the viability of Montenegro’s government. Carlos César, representing the Socialist Party, stressed the importance of respecting the electorate’s will, a sentiment echoed by Chega leader André Ventura, who pledged not to support any motions designed to reject the government’s program. This collaborative approach could facilitate a stable governance framework, despite Montenegro’s minority status, indicating a readiness among opposition parties to work constructively with the new administration.
Montenegro’s vision for governance transitions from constitutional matters to more pragmatic concerns, reflecting a broader inclination among politicians to respond directly to the immediate needs of citizens. By focusing on economic growth, public service improvements, and health care reform, the new prime minister seeks to carve a path that could address the issues most pressing to Portuguese citizens. This strategy aims to solidify public support and demonstrate effective governance without diving into contentious constitutional debates that may distract from more urgent matters.
The election results signal a transformative phase in Portuguese politics, where Chega’s rise to prominence indicates a shift in voter sentiment, traditionally dominated by moderate parties. Chega’s strong performance has not only disrupted the existing political landscape but also ushered in challenges regarding their future influence. The party’s second-place finish grants them significant leverage in negotiations and legislative processes, compelling traditional parties to reconsider their strategies in an evolving political context characterized by a fragmented parliament.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Montenegro’s government will have to navigate a new and complex political environment, where collaboration with various factions, including Chega, could define its success. While he has ruled out constitutional changes for the foreseeable future, the focus on economic and public service reform reflects an effort to stabilize his administration and resonate with public expectations. As Portugal moves forward under this new government, the emphasis on constructive cooperation may herald a period of relative political stability, despite the challenges posed by rising extremism and shifting voter alliances within the broader political spectrum.
