Portugal's government loses a vote of trust – Diepresse.com

After just under a year in office, the conservative minority government fell in Portugal. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro clearly lost the vote on the question of trust in the parliament in Lisbon. Montenegro had been driven into confinement by the opposition in recent weeks. It was about allegations of a conflict of interest for a family business of the 52-year-old. New elections are expected.

The parliament rejected the corresponding template with 142 to 88 votes. It was brought in by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro on Thursday.

Portugal is about the third parliamentary election since the beginning of 2022. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa could now commission another politician of the Democratic Alliance (AD) government alliance or opposition leader Pedro Nuno Santos from the Socialist Party PS with the formation of a new government. However, it is likely that the head of state will dissolve the parliament and call out elections.

Possible new election in mid -May

Due to the intensifying crisis, Rebelo had canceled a visit to Estonia planned for Wednesday last week and asserted it to journalists that he wanted to ensure a quick solution. A new election could take place on May 11th or 18, he said at the time.

The crisis came as a surprise, because even after the change of government in spring 2024, the former EU debt resident continued to record good growth rates and historically low unemployment with continued strict spending discipline. But events have been overturning for a few weeks. (APA/dpa)