Portugal’s election campaign begins amid corruption scandals
Portugal’s upcoming general election sees the emergence of a populist party, Chega!, amidst corruption scandals, as the country’s mainstream parties vie for power
The official two-week campaign period preceding Portugal’s early general election commenced on Sunday, with the nation’s two moderate mainstream parties poised to gather the most votes. However, the expected rise of a populist party adds momentum to Europe’s rightward shift.
For decades, the center-left Socialist Party and center-right Social Democratic Party have traded power. Yet, uncertainty looms over their reliance on smaller rival parties to form a government after the March 10 vote.
Corruption scandals have cast a shadow over the election, fueling public disillusionment with the political establishment as Portugal approaches 50 years of democracy since the Carnation Revolution of April 25, 1974, which ended a rightist dictatorship.
Former PM resignation in November
This election follows the collapse of a Socialist government last November amid a corruption probe. The investigation led to a police search of Prime Minister Antonio Costa’s official residence and the arrest of his chief of staff, though Costa himself faces no charges.
In recent weeks, a Lisbon court ruled that former Socialist Prime Minister Jose Socrates should stand trial for corruption allegations totaling around 34 million euros ($36.7 million) during his time in office from 2005 to 2011.
The Social Democratic Party has also faced corruption allegations, with a graft investigation in Portugal’s Madeira Islands prompting the resignation of two prominent officials. This scandal unfolded as the party unveiled an anti-corruption billboard in Lisbon, stating, “It can’t go on like this.”
The records of the main parties are also scrutinized for handling issues such as a housing crisis, low wages, and unreliable public health services.
New party arising to claim corruption fight
A five-year-old populist and nationalist party named Chega! (which translates to “Enough!” in English) has made the fight against corruption a key platform. “Portugal needs cleaning out,” declares one of their billboards.
Leading Chega! is 41-year-old lawyer Andre Ventura, who has secured third place in opinion polls and could hold significant sway as a potential kingmaker. The party received 1.3% of votes in 2019 but surged to 7.3% in 2022. Polls suggest it could double that support this time if a protest vote materializes.
Source: Newsroom
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