Socialist presidential candidate António José Seguro is earmarked for a resounding victory against his far-right opponent, André Ventura, during Portugal’s election run-off. Exit polls show that Seguro has won up to 64% of the votes against his opponent, Ventura, leader of Chega.
This was the first election run-off in Portugal since 1986 after no major party won the absolute majority of votes in the first round. The electorate then united to keep the far-right from power in typical European fashion. The Socialists will now be in government as a lesser evil and not as an ideal option. However, Seguro has been branded as a moderate by many as the Socialists tried to pitch a candidate that could collect wide support. He campaigned for an inclusive and secure Europe and made housing one of his main priorities.
The President in Republic has limited executive powers with his role serving mostly as ceremonial. The Portuguese government is run by a minority coalition government by the Democratic alliance led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro (an alliance of Christian-democrats and social-democrats).
Seguro wins the election while Portugal struggles with violent storms and a casualty count that is increasing. 14 people have been confirmed dead in Portugal as cause of the violent storms.
Feature photo from Reuters.
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