Description: Portugal’s minority government led by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro lost a no confidence vote after Montenegro was discovered to have been embroiled in a conflict-of-interest scandal. The vote was instigated by Montenegro himself whose party held up 80 seats in the 230-seat legislature body. Montenegro was discovered to have been connected to a law firm which received money from a company that had secured gambling concessions with the government. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Portugal’s President started overseeing the transition and is expected to dissolve the parliament and call for early elections, projected for May. Portugal is facing its third government dissolution in as many years as the country is facing key issues such as implementation of a EUR 22 billion grant to recalibrate its economy and the rise of the far – right Chega party.
Impact: Portugal’s government crumble only adds fuel to the flaming crisis that has engulfed Europe in the past couple of months. The country, which was once known for its levelheaded governance, is facing a growing political upheaval in light of mounting pressure to resolve key issues as an EU member. Portugal hasn’t been immune to the far – right populist movement in Europe as the Chega (Enough) political party gained substantial political traction and dictated the public narrative prior to the fall of the minority government. Portugal joins an infamous club of countries within Europe facing internal crises such as Slovakia and Romania and is threatening to further destabilize the bloc amid growing geopolitical threats and instability.