Portugal’s political landscape is undergoing a significant shift as President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has signed a decree dissolving Parliament and calling for early elections.
This decision follows the downfall of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s government amid a corporate controversy that led to a loss of parliamentary confidence.
Official Announcement and Constitutional Process
The Portuguese Presidency confirmed the dissolution in a brief statement on Wednesday night, noting that the decree takes effect on Thursday. Under Portugal’s legal framework, a dissolved Parliament operates in a limited capacity through the Permanent Commission.
This body, led by the president of the Assembly of the Republic, includes vice presidents and representatives from all parliamentary parties to ensure legislative continuity.
Political Crisis Leading to Dissolution
The decision for early elections stems from a recent political crisis that saw Montenegro’s center-right Social Democratic Party (PSD) government lose a parliamentary vote of confidence. The crisis was triggered by a business-related controversy, prompting Rebelo de Sousa to move forward with dissolving the legislature and scheduling new elections.
Following the president’s announcement, the Assembly held an intense voting session last Friday, lasting nearly three hours, to finalize pending legislative matters before dissolution, as reported by 20minutos.
Next Steps for Portugal
With the elections set for May 18, political parties are preparing their campaigns in anticipation of a new government formation. The upcoming elections will determine Portugal’s leadership amid ongoing economic and political challenges, setting the stage for a potential shift in governance.
As the country moves toward this electoral milestone, the focus remains on restoring political stability and public confidence in its democratic institutions.
