Portugal is gearing up for an early general election where 10.8 million registered voters will elect 230 lawmakers to the National Assembly. The two dominant parties, the center-left Socialist Party and the center-right Social Democratic Party, are expected to once again vie for power.
Key Issues in the Campaign
Corruption Scandals: The election was triggered by a corruption investigation that led to the collapse of the Socialist government. Both major parties have faced allegations of corruption, with high-profile arrests and resignations tarnishing their images.
Housing Crisis: Portugal has seen a significant surge in house prices and rents, making it difficult for locals, especially in urban areas like Lisbon, to afford housing. Foreign investment and tourism have contributed to this housing affordability crisis.
Low Pay: Despite weak economic growth, many Portuguese workers struggle with low wages. The average monthly wage before tax is around 1,500 euros, with over 800,000 people earning the minimum wage of 820 euros per month.
Leading Candidates
Socialist Leader: Pedro Nuno Santos, a former minister, is a key figure in the Socialist Party. He comes from a business-oriented family and has faced controversies over his handling of certain issues.
Social Democratic Party Leader: Luis Montenegro, a lawyer, heads the Democratic Alliance and has been a long-serving lawmaker. He has faced scrutiny over allegations of receiving gifts from a media company.
Chega Leader: Andre Ventura, the leader of the radical right populist party Chega, has made fighting corruption a central theme of his campaign. While unlikely to become prime minister, his party's growing support could impact the political landscape.
As Portugal braces for the election, the outcome will not only determine the country's next government but also reflect the public's stance on issues of corruption, housing affordability, and low wages.
