Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s government has been ousted in a vote of no confidence, likely leading to the country’s third general election in just three years. The right-of-center minority government was toppled by a vote of 142 to 88, with no abstentions from Members of Parliament.
Portugal’s President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, though not required to dissolve the assembly, had indicated that he would do so following the government’s defeat in Tuesday’s vote, paving the way for fresh elections in May. The confidence motion was initiated by the government itself after the opposition Socialists announced plans to investigate Montenegro’s business dealings.
Questions had been raised about a company called Spinumviva, set up by Montenegro, which continued to receive substantial payments from clients he had previously secured, even after he assumed the role of Social Democratic Party president and opposition leader in 2022. There were concerns regarding the legality of transferring ownership to his wife and sons, as well as the sources of the company’s income and the nature of its services.
The prime minister defended the company, stating that it offers consultancy services related to data privacy laws, outsourcing work to external experts. However, the Bar Association is now examining whether Spinumviva is providing services that only lawyers are authorized to offer.
In response to the government’s defeat, Montenegro’s cabinet has rushed to implement various spending measures in an effort to demonstrate its commitment to the country. The situation has created an opportunity for the far-right Chega party to highlight corruption in politics, but Chega itself has been embroiled in scandals involving several of its MPs.
Despite Montenegro’s coalition with the People’s Party leading in opinion polls just a year ago, recent polls now show the Socialists, led by Pedro Nuno Santos, in the lead. None of the major parties appear eager for a snap election, given the short tenure of the current government and unfavorable geopolitical circumstances, yet Portugal seems headed towards elections in May.
Montenegro’s decision to appeal to voters rather than face an inquiry has been criticized as “cowardly” by the opposition. Santos, a former minister under António Costa, has vowed not to support any government confidence motions.
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