António José Seguro, the center-left Socialist candidate, has claimed a decisive victory in Portugal’s presidential runoff election, defeating hard-right populist André Ventura. With 99% of votes counted, Seguro secured 66.7% of the electorate, compared to Ventura’s 33.3%. This election not only tested the appeal of Ventura and his party, Chega, which emerged as the second-largest party in parliament, but also examined the public’s response to the rising populism seen across Europe.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Seguro’s win on social media, emphasizing the importance of Portugal’s commitment to shared European values. Seguro, who has a long history in the Socialist party, presented himself as a moderate alternative. He aims to work alongside the center-right minority government while opposing Ventura’s confrontational and anti-immigrant rhetoric.
While the role of the Portuguese president is largely ceremonial with limited executive power, Seguro’s presidency will still hold significant influence. The president can veto legislation and possesses the authority to dissolve parliament and call for early elections, dubbed the “atomic bomb” in Portuguese political context. Following the country’s recent political instability, which has seen three elections in as many years, ensuring stability will be a critical challenge for Seguro.
Ventura, known for his theatrical political style, indicated he would continue to pursue a transformative political agenda. He remains critical of immigration policies, asserting that “Portugal is ours” and has been vocal against what he perceives as excessive immigration. His campaign featured provocative billboards that underscored his hardline views.
Despite losing, Ventura’s ability to reach the runoff illustrates a significant shift in Portuguese politics and reflects a growing discontent that could influence future elections. The recent election results provide a hopeful outlook for those seeking a stable political environment in Portugal, as Seguro’s leadership represents a commitment to moderation and collaboration in the face of rising populism.