António José Seguro has won the presidential election in Portugal. Although not all votes have been counted, it is already clear that the 63-year-old center-left candidate received more votes than his opponent, right-wing populist André Ventura.
Seguro and Ventura were the candidates remaining after the first round of the election three weeks ago. Seguro also received more votes than the 43-year-old former sports commentator Ventura in that round.
Exit polls from several national television stations predict that Seguro received approximately 72 percent of the vote. Most votes have now been counted, and similar figures are emerging.
The Rise of the Moderate in a Shifting Political Landscape
In the campaign, Seguro positioned himself as a moderate politician focused on building bridges. He distinguished himself from Ventura’s plans, which are anti-immigration and anti-establishment. Ventura’s Chega party has only existed for six years and has grown to become the third-largest party in the Portuguese parliament.
Seguro succeeds the center-right Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa (77). He served as president for ten years and was ineligible for a third term.
The presidency is largely a ceremonial role in Portugal. However, the president can, under certain circumstances, dismiss parliament, call new elections, and veto legislation.
Weathering the Storm: Voter Turnout Amidst Challenges
Despite the severe weather affecting Portugal, voter turnout was comparable to that of three weeks ago. However, voting was postponed for one week in some municipalities due to flooding.
These municipalities account for 37,000 registered voters, or 0.3 percent of the Portuguese electorate. Portuguese media reports indicate this is unlikely to affect Seguro’s victory.
What Which means for Portugal’s Political Future
António José Seguro’s victory represents a rejection of the populist surge seen in other European nations. His win signals a preference for stability and moderate policies among Portuguese voters. However, the significant showing of André Ventura and the Chega party—achieving 36% of the vote— demonstrates a growing undercurrent of nationalist sentiment that cannot be ignored.
The Broader European Context
Portugal’s election mirrors a broader trend in Europe, where mainstream candidates are increasingly challenged by populist and far-right movements. While Seguro’s win offers a respite from this trend, the success of Ventura highlights the need for established parties to address the concerns of voters attracted to anti-establishment platforms.
Implications for Policy and Governance
Seguro’s presidency is expected to prioritize social and economic stability. His focus on consensus-building may lead to a more collaborative approach to governance, potentially easing tensions between the ruling center-right alliance and opposition parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is António José Seguro?
António José Seguro is a 63-year-old center-left politician who has been elected as the President of Portugal.
- Who is André Ventura?
André Ventura is a 43-year-old right-wing populist who was Seguro’s opponent in the presidential runoff.
- What is the role of the President in Portugal?
The President of Portugal has largely ceremonial duties but can also dismiss parliament and veto legislation under certain circumstances.
Explore further: Read more about the first round of the Portuguese presidential election here .
