Portugal stands at a political crossroads as it heads into the second round of presidential voting on Sunday, amid devastating natural disasters that have battered the nation. Traditional parties, usually divided by ideology, are forging unusual alliances to block the rise of far-right extremists, particularly the surging Chega party.
The country has been reeling from severe storms and floods in recent months, crippling infrastructure and exposing weaknesses in government disaster response. Public frustration is palpable, fueling debates over leadership in crisis times. With economic uncertainty looming, mainstream parties fear far-right groups could capitalize on the chaos.
In the first round on January 18, center-left Socialist candidate Antonio Jose Seguro led with 31.1% of votes. Far-right Chega leader Andre Ventura followed closely at 23.5%, while conservative Liberal Initiative’s Joao Cotrim de Figueiredo took third with 16%. The ruling Social Democratic Party’s Luis Marques Mendes lagged at 11.3%.
Opinion polls now favor Seguro overwhelmingly, with a Catholic University survey showing 67% support against Ventura’s 33%. This unusual coalition includes endorsements from center-right figures like former President Anibal Cavaco Silva and ex-Deputy PM Paulo Portas. Over 6,600 signatures back Seguro in a public campaign.
Even Lisbon’s center-right mayor Carlos Moedas has pledged support, praising Seguro for not dividing society. Yet analysts caution that while this cross-ideological backing grabs headlines, its impact may be limited against Chega’s momentum.
Campaigns were curtailed by twin storms prompting a state of emergency until February 15. Ventura demanded a one-week delay for ‘equality,’ but election authorities rejected it, insisting voting proceeds as planned.
This runoff isn’t just about picking a president—it’s a referendum on Portugal’s democratic future. Voters must choose between polarization and collaborative stability in turbulent times. Seguro could claim the highest vote share for a candidate since the end of authoritarian rule five decades ago, if polls hold.