Socialist Party wins Portuguese legislative elections

socialist prime minister PortugalAntonio Costa won the early legislative elections held on Sunday (30th) and won a majority in Parliament.

At 10 p.m. (Brasilia time), with 99.1% of polls counted, Costa’s Socialist Party had received 41.68% of the vote, giving the party 117 seats, more than needed to secure an absolute majority in the 230-seat parliament.

Then came the Social Democratic Party led by Roy Rio with 27.8% of the vote and 71 seats.

Even opinion polls indicated a technical relationship between the two parties.

The far-right Chiga was emerging as a third force, with just over 7% of the vote and 12 seats in parliament.

The socialist prime minister is proud that he “turned the page on budget austerity” implemented by the right after the global financial crisis with the historic alliance – nicknamed “The Stranger” – formed in 2015 with the radical left parties, Beloco de Esquerdas and Hezbollah. the communists.

Portugal’s Prime Minister and Socialist Party General Secretary Antonio Costa wave during a campaign rally for the snap elections, in Lisbon, Friday (28) – Photo: Pedro Nunes/Reuters

But when the minority government was also aiming to “turn the page on the pandemic” with a record vaccination rate and release of European economic stimulus funds, its allies rejected the 2022 draft budget, prompting calls for early elections.

When the date for the vote was announced three months ago, the Socialist Party had a 13-point lead in opinion polls over the main opposition formation, the PSD.

“I hope everyone feels safe to vote,” said Costa, who last weekend, as did 300,000 voters, in an early vote organized due to the health crisis.

With one in 10 Portuguese in quarantine, the level of participation in the third election has been regulated in Portugal During the pandemic, it was another factor of uncertainty.

“I voted for the Socialists because we need them at this difficult time,” Manuel Pinto, a 68-year-old former Lisbon cabinet member, told AFP.

“The government’s balance sheet is not very good, but with Covid, no more can be expected,” said Isabel Rodriguez, a 50-year-old resident of Lisbon.

“Despite the disappointment with the Socialist Party, most voters believe Costa has more competence and experience in governing than Rio, a 64-year-old economist who praised his honesty and originality,” explains political scientist Marina Costa Lobo.