Portugal’s far-right party Chega has become the country’s main opposition force for the first time, following the final count of overseas ballots from the snap parliamentary election held on May 18.

The centre-right Democratic Alliance, led by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, secured 91 seats in the 230-seat parliament, including two from voters abroad. Although this is an improvement from the previous election in 2024, the alliance still fell short of the majority needed to bring stability to the government.

On election night, the Socialist Party (PS) had a slight lead over Chega in vote share, with both parties initially winning 58 seats. However, after the complete tally was released by the Interior Ministry, Chega’s seat count rose to 60, while the Socialists remained at 58.

Established only six years ago, Chega has broken the five-decade political dominance of Portugal’s traditional parties that has persisted since the fall of the dictatorship in 1974. This shift echoes similar gains made by far-right groups across Europe.

Chega has formed alliances with other anti-immigration parties such as France’s National Rally and Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD). Its platform focuses heavily on fighting what it sees as entrenched corruption within the political elite, advocating for stricter immigration controls, and proposing harsher punishments for criminals, including chemical castration for repeat offenders of sexual violence.

Prime Minister Montenegro has ruled out any cooperation with Chega and intends to lead a minority government. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is scheduled to meet with the leaders of the three main parties and is expected to appoint Montenegro as prime minister.