LISBON, Portugal — In a significant development following Portugal’s recent general election, the Parliament convened on Wednesday to elect José Aguiar Branco of the Social Democrats as the new house speaker, supported by a remarkable agreement between the nation’s leading centrist parties.
With an affirmative vote of 160, surpassing the crucial majority threshold of 116, Aguiar Branco secured the position. The election outcome is the result of a pact between the Social Democrats and the Socialist Party that dictates a term split, with Aguiar Branco in the role for the initial two years before a member of the Socialist Party assumes the speakership.
This arrangement suggests a collaborative path forward for the Social Democrats and Socialists, which might stabilize the government and limit the influence of the far-right Chega party.
In the tight contest on Mar. 10, the center-right Social Democrats emerged victorious with 78 seats, supported by an additional two seats from a partner party, amassing 80 seats in the 230-seat National Assembly.
Subsequently, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa appointed Luis Montenegro, the Social Democrats’ leader, to form the new government, set to commence on April 2. The government will propose its policy agendas to Parliament, risking a no-confidence vote and potential reelection or the invitation for another party to govern in the event of substantial opposition.
The Socialist Party, also holding 78 seats, has pledged not to obstruct the minority government led by the Social Democrats.
Parliament’s quest for a house speaker saw three rounds of voting without a victor just a day prior, fueling concerns of additional polls.
The house speaker holds significant sway within the presiding council that oversees legislative sessions and schedules.
Chaotic dynamics emerged from the election as the radical-right party Chega secured 50 seats, a marked rise from the 12 seats they held after the 2022 election. This growth disrupts the longstanding alternating governance between the Social Democrats and Socialists.
Despite Montenegro’s rejection of any potential alliance with the controversial populists, he faces the challenge of passing laws with a minority government. Populist leader André Ventura expressed intentions to challenge the government in critical votes, demanding concessions.
Chega’s anti-corruption stance has resonated in a climate marred by scandals involving both Social Democrats and Socialists.
The call for the current election followed the collapse of a Socialist government amid corruption allegations, including a police investigation implicating then Prime Minister António Costa’s personnel, though Costa himself faces no charges.
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FAQs:
- Who has been elected as the new house speaker in Portugal?
José Aguiar Branco of the Social Democrats has been elected as the new house speaker. - What was the result of the most recent general election in Portugal?
The Social Democrats won 78 seats, and with an allied party, they have a total of 80 seats in the 230-seat National Assembly. - What does the agreement between the Social Democrats and Socialist Party entail?
José Aguiar Branco will serve as the house speaker for two years, after which the role will be succeeded by a member from the Socialist Party. - What challenges might the newly elected government face?
The minority government may struggle to enact legislation without a coalition, and Chega’s populist leader has signalled the intention to disrupt key votes. - Why was a new election called in Portugal?
A corruption scandal led to the downfall of the previous Socialist government, prompting new elections.
Conclusion:
The election of José Aguiar Branco as the new house speaker in Portugal’s Parliament, supported by the Social Democrats and Socialist Party, illustrates a crucial power-sharing agreement between the two leading centrist parties. This strategic alliance indicates a possible collaborative government structure, endeavoring to stave off the far-right Chega party’s political leverage. Despite the potential challenges due to the far-right’s increased representation and subsequent calls for a hardline stance, this historic agreement opens paths to govern effectively in a political landscape dramatically altered by the Chega party’s emergence.
