Moderate socialist António José Seguro won a decisive victory in Sunday's second round of the Portuguese presidential election, defeating Chega party leader André Ventura. According to results from the vast majority of constituencies, Seguro garnered approximately 66% of the vote compared to 34% for his opponent. He will succeed conservative Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on March 9.
Having come out on top in the first round with 31,1%, António José Seguro had since garnered support far beyond his own camp, gaining backing from the left, the center, and part of the right. Facing him, André Ventura nevertheless confirmed the spectacular rise of his Chega party, which will become the leading opposition force after the 2025 general elections, firmly establishing itself in the Portuguese political landscape.
This presidential election, disrupted by violent storms that delayed voting in several constituencies, took place in a tense political context, with a minority government and a fragmented Parliament. While the presidential role is largely symbolic in Portugal, the new head of state will have a key role as arbiter, with the power to dissolve the Assembly in the event of a political crisis.
