Portugal's Snap Election: A Nation Grapples with Uncertainty and the Rise of the Far Right

Portugal heads to the polls this Sunday in a snap general election, just one year after Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's ascension to power. The election is marked by significant political uncertainty and economic strain, further complicated by the rise of the far-right Chega party. Montenegro's government fell after a no-confidence vote triggered by revelations of undeclared income and property dealings. "He says he did nothing wrong, but parliament voted him out," reports CGTN's Mia Alberti. Chega, which has seen its parliamentary representation quadruple since 2019, is capitalizing on public discontent regarding immigration, crime, and corruption. While polls suggest Montenegro's center-right coalition holds a slight lead, forming a stable government will be a major challenge. The situation reflects deeper issues, including a housing crisis with property prices rising three times faster than the EU average and high youth unemployment. The upcoming election presents a crucial moment for Portugal, as voters express frustration with the status quo.