Portugal’s minority center-right government, led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, collapsed today after losing a confidence vote in parliament. This crisis is the latest after a series of political scandals. 

The minority Democratic Alliance (AD), fell only 11 months after being inaugurated, bringing the country to a third general election in three years. The snap election will be held in May.

The no-confidence vote was triggered by an ethics scandal involving Montenegro’s family business, Spinumviva, a legal consultancy he founded in 2021.

Allegations arose that Montenegro failed to divest his stake in the company upon taking office, leading to accusations of a conflict of interest. 

The scandal intensified when it was revealed that ownership of Spinumviva by Montenegro had been transferred to his wife and sons in 2022, raising further ethical concerns. 

Under pressure, Montenegro called for a confidence vote to address the allegations. The motion was defeated today with opposition from the major opposition Socialist Part, other left-wing factions, and the far-right Chega party.

Recent polls have indicated a decline in support for Montenegro’s Democratic Alliance (AD) coalition, with the Socialist Party gaining traction over discontent with corruption, high taxes, and housing costs.

Luís Filipe Montenegro, 55, is a Portuguese career politician and lawyer who has been serving as the Prime Minister of Portugal since April 2024. He is also the President of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), having assumed leadership in July 2022.  

PAJ/Staff. This developing story will be updated.