Portugal's Socialists gain support ahead of snap election, poll shows

FILE PHOTO: Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa addresses the nation to announce his decision to dissolve parliament triggering snap general elections, in Belem Palace, in Lisbon, Portugal November 4, 2021. REUTERS/Pedro Nunes/File Photo

LISBON (Reuters) - Portugal's ruling Socialists lead the race to win an election in January with more votes than they took in 2019, but short of a full majority, according to the first poll of voting intentions taken since parliament rejected their budget last week.

The combined left, including Prime Minister Antonio Costa's former hard-left partners who helped sink the budget bill and trigger the snap election, would retain a majority of seats in parliament, taking 52% of the vote, according to the survey by Aximage pollsters.