Portugal's far-right Chega party may have hit its ceiling in presidential election


Leader of far-right Chega party and Portuguese presidential candidate Andre Ventura speaks to the media on the day of the presidential election, in Lisbon, Portugal, February 8, 2026. REUTERS/Rodrigo Antunes

LISBON, Feb ‌9 (Reuters) - The moderate Socialist candidate's decisive victory in Portugal's presidential election on Sunday showed that two-thirds of the electorate, ‌including many conservative voters, united against his far-right rival, who likely topped out his support at 33%, according ‌to analysts.

Still, the gains made by Andre Ventura compared to the first round last month and a general election in 2025 put his anti-establishment, anti-immigration Chega party within striking distance of becoming the largest parliamentary faction in the next general election, which is not due until 2029 unless an early vote is called. ‍Chega currently has the second-largest number of seats in parliament.

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