Portugal has delivered a decisive rejection of far-right politics with centre-left candidate António José Seguro securing a commanding victory in the presidential runoff election. With 95% of ballots counted, official results show Seguro capturing 66% of the vote, soundly defeating his far-right opponent André Ventura who garnered just 34%.
The election occurred against the backdrop of severe weather emergencies as Storm Leonardo triggered mass evacuations across the Iberian Peninsula, forcing voting postponements in the most severely flooded regions.
Seguro’s victory represents a remarkable show of cross-party unity against the rising far-right movement. The 63-year-old former Socialist Party leader received unprecedented support from across the political spectrum, including endorsements from conservative figures and thousands of self-declared ‘non-socialists’ who signed an open letter backing his candidacy. This broad coalition united behind Seguro specifically to prevent Ventura’s far-right platform from gaining power.
Despite his defeat, Ventura’s second-place finish demonstrates the continued influence of his Chega (Enough) party, which has experienced rapid growth since its formation in 2019 and now represents the second-largest bloc in Portugal’s parliament.
The presidential role in Portugal, while largely ceremonial, carries significant constitutional powers including the authority to dissolve parliament, call snap elections, and veto legislation. Seguro will succeed conservative President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, marking a shift in the nation’s political landscape.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, leader of Portugal’s centre-right government, had previously denounced Ventura as ‘xenophobic, racist and demagogic’ but notably declined to endorse either candidate in the runoff election.