Portugal’s far-right Chega party became the main opposition in parliament after securing 60 seats in the May 18, 2025, snap election, edging out the center-left Socialist Party (PS) with 58 seats, as reported by NPR and other sources. With overseas votes counted on May 28, 2025, Chega’s 22.76% vote share surpassed the Socialists’ 22.83%, ending five decades of bipartisan dominance by the Socialists and center-right Social Democrats. The center-right Democratic Alliance (AD), led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, won 88 seats but fell short of a majority, setting up another minority government.
Chega, meaning “Enough,” capitalized on voter frustration with corruption scandals and immigration concerns, fueled by its anti-establishment rhetoric and leader André Ventura’s charisma. Despite its historic gain, Montenegro has ruled out governing with Chega, citing its unreliability and populist stance, leaving the AD reliant on smaller parties or Socialist abstentions to pass legislation. The Socialists, hit by their worst result since 1987, saw leader Pedro Nuno Santos resign. Chega’s rise mirrors far-right surges across Europe, drawing comparisons to parties like France’s National Rally and Germany’s AfD. Posts on X reflect sentiment that Chega’s growth signals a broader nationalist wave, though some express concern about its impact on Portuguese democracy.