Political outline

Current political leaders

President: Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa  (since 9 March 2016) - PSD
Prime Minister: António Luis Santos da Costa (since 24 November 2015) - PS

Next election dates

Presidential: January 2026
Legislative: January 2026

Current Political Context

Early elections were called after parliament was dissolved on 3 November 2021 because of the rejection of the budget presented by the minority government led by Prime Minister Antonio Costa of the Socialist Party. New elections were held on 30 January 2022: the Socialist party obtained an outright majority (117 seats out of 230) thus being able to govern without the support of its former allies. The main opposition party remained the centre-right PSD (76 seats), whereas support for the far-left BE, PAN, LIVRE parties and the PCP-PEV alliance remained flat or collapsed. The main breakthrough was achieved by the far-right party Chega, which obtained 12 seats and became the country's third political force.
The year 2022 was characterized by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which prompted a severe reaction from the EU and a sharp rise in energy prices. The government adopted several packages worth 2.1% of GDP to contain the consequences of such an increase, while also focusing on renewable energies. Moreover, the development of Portugal’s lithium deposits has been another government focus in light of the fact that the country sits on an estimated 10% of overall lithium deposits in Europe, sparking peaceful protests and legal actions from environmental groups.

Main political parties

The main political parties in Portugal include:

• Socialist Party (PS): centre-left, major party with 120 seats obtained in the 2022 election
• Social Democratic Party (PSD): centre-right, liberal-conservative
• Chega (CH): nationalist, populist
• Liberal Initiative: centre-right, liberal
• Left Bloc (BE): left-wing
• Unitary Democratic Coalition (CDU): left-wing, alliance between the Communist Party (PCP) & Green Party (PEV) & Democratic Intervention (ID), very cohesive
• Popular Party (CDS-PP): right-wing, Christian democratic, conservative, works in tandem with PSD
• People-Animals-Nature Party (PAN): environmentalism, animal rights
• Livre: socialist, pro-European
• People's Monarchist Party: right-wing, constitutional monarchism

Executive Power

The President is the Head of State and the commander-in-chief of the army. He or she is elected by universal suffrage for a five year term. After a general election, the leader of the majority party or coalition is usually appointed to be Prime Minister by the President, for a four year term. The Prime Minister is the head of the Government and holds executive power, which includes implementing laws and overseeing the everyday running of the country. The Council of Ministers is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. There is also a Council of State, which acts as an advisory body to the President.

Legislative Power

Portuguese legislative power is unicameral. The parliament, called the Assembly of the Republic, has 230 seats. The members are elected by universal suffrage for a four year term. The executive branch of government is directly or indirectly dependent on the support of Parliament, often expressed by a vote of confidence. The Prime Minister cannot dissolve the Assembly, but the President can do so and call for an early election. Portuguese citizens enjoy considerable political rights.

Indicator of freedom of the press

World Rank:

9/180

Indicator of political freedom

Ranking:

Free

Political freedom:

1/7

Political freedom in the world (interactive map)
Font: Freedom in the World Report, Freedom House