What does the shift to the right in Portugal portend?
The centre-right Aliança Democrática (AD) has won a narrow victory in snap parliamentary elections over the Socialists (PS), who had been in power in Portugal since 2015. However the alliance’s lead it is not enough for a majority, as the right-wing populist Chega party more than doubled its share of the vote to 18 percent and quadrupled the number of seats it holds in parliament. The European press is above all concerned by Chega’s rise.
Traditional balance under threat
The clear gains made by the right-wing populist Chega party are putting Portugal’s traditional party landscape to the test, writes Jornal de Notícias:
“André Ventura’s party has proven that it is capable of establishing itself throughout the country. ... This won’t be the end of two-party rule, but it is at least clear confirmation that a party that is now medium-sized can pose a threat to the traditional balance. ... While the viability of an AD minority government is assured for now, the key test will be the vote on the state budget. At that point, it will be more difficult for the Socialists to join hands with the right-wing government, even if part of the party might defend this strategy to prevent Chega from gaining the decisive role.”
Don’t lead the country to a dead end
Público would like to see the moderate parties work together:
“A scenario of ungovernability that forces elections towards the end of the year is the best way to prove those people right who have deserted the camp of liberal democracy and prefer radical politics to tolerance, civility and the spirit of solidarity. Those who govern must understand that procrastination and neglect are even more harmful today than in the past. They must act in critical areas such as health and education. And they must recognise that there are new challenges such as immigration which can no longer be neglected as they have been until now.”
