Portugal’s new govt clears first hurdles in parliament

Lisbon: Portugal’s parliament voted down two motions put forward by hard-left parties against the minority centre-right government’s inaugural legislative programme, clearing the first hurdle for the administration of Prime Minister Luis Montenegro.

Despite the widely expected successful investiture, analysts say his government will be highly unstable as it will constantly require complex negotiations with the opposition in a fragmented parliament to pass legislation.

The Communist Party and the Left Bloc, with just nine seats between them in the 230-seat parliament, had presented the motions to reject the government plan, which promises to maintain balanced budgets and keep reducing the public debt, while relying on lower taxes to boost growth.

However, the main opposition Socialists abstained in both votes and the far-right Chega voted against them.

With just 80 seats in the 230-seat legislature, Montenegro’s ruling coalition will need the support of either Chega’s 50 lawmakers, or the centre-left Socialists’ 78 seats, to pass legislation, with a key test likely to be the 2025 budget bill towards the end of the year.

Despite Chega’s vote against the motions, its leader Andre Ventura told parliament the government “did not create any stability solution for the country”, as Montenegro continued to reject any long-term agreements for Chega’s support.