Portugal's Far-Right Chega Becomes Main Opposition Party

Portugal's political landscape has been dramatically reshaped by the rapid rise of the far-right Chega party, which has become the main opposition force in Parliament by securing 60 of 230 seats, surpassing the centre-left Socialist Party. Founded just six years ago, Chega capitalizes on anti-immigration sentiment and public dissatisfaction with the traditional centrist parties that have dominated since the end of the dictatorship in 1974. Despite its electoral success, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's centre-right Democratic Alliance fell short of a majority and plans to form a minority government without alliances with Chega, maintaining a cordon sanitaire around the far-right party. Chega's leader, Andre Ventura, has positioned the party as a staunch critic of the political establishment, corruption, and immigration policies, aligning with similar hard-right European movements. The finalization of votes, including those from abroad, confirmed Chega's position as the second-largest party, signaling a profound shift in Portuguese politics and ending five decades of bipartisan dominance. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is expected to appoint Montenegro as prime minister following consultations with party leaders.