Portugal is heading for a rare presidential runoff after a fragmented first round underscored shifting voter dynamics
With all votes counted, António José Seguro led the first round with 31.1%, followed by André Ventura on 23.5%. The two will face each other in a 8 February runoff, only the second such contest since Portugal’s return to democracy in 1974.
Although largely ceremonial, the presidency holds key constitutional powers.
Key developments
• Liberal Initiative leader João Cotrim de Figueiredo placed third with around 16%.
• Chega, led by Ventura, has reshaped debate on immigration despite high voter rejection rates.
• Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said his party would back neither runoff candidate.
Analysts, including the Economist Intelligence Unit, expect Ventura to struggle to broaden his appeal.
ℹ️ Reuters
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