In April, Portugal was supposed to celebrate its 50-year anniversary of democracy, leadership, and stability since the Carnation Revolution, which overthrew the right-wing dictatorship that had led the country for decades. However, in March, just one month before this great milestone in the country’s history, it is facing political turmoil and democratic decay. Populist right-wing party, Chega, is gaining representation and political power, making the path to democratic governance murkier than it has been in the past half century.
The rise of radical right parties in Portugal reflects a trend seen throughout Europe. From Italy to Poland, right-wing parties have won elections despite previously being relegated to the fringe. Political and social instability in Portugal have left voters disenfranchised and searching for an alternative choice.
Portugal’s Electoral History
On April 25th of 1974, Portugal experienced a uniquely bloodless coup. The Movimento das Forças Armadas (MAF), a left-wing organization of low-ranking officers in the Portuguese Armed Forces, perpetuated a military revolution that quickly became a mass movement of civil unrest. During this period, which was defined by clashing ideologies and political power struggles between the established authoritarian regime and the champions of democracy and freedom, this relatively peaceful revolution became known as the Carnation Revolution. The main goal of this revolution was to transition into democratic governance and to grant independence to Portuguese colonies. Former dictator Marcello Caetano resisted decolonization for several years, but eventually the Estado Novo, which had existed since 1933 and claimed the title of longest surviving Western European anti-democratic regime, was peacefully overthrown.
The successful revolution marked the end of Portuguese colonial rule and the introduction of a new constitution. Since then, the Portuguese people have maintained a dedication for democratic values through fair and free elections, the perseverance of civil liberties, and a high standard of human rights. Portugal has been a model for democratic transition and political stability.
Recent Election
On March 11, Portugal’s center-right minority government, the Democratic Alliance (AD), won the Portuguese general election. However, AD won by only a slim majority, as the fledgling populist party Chega took nearly a fifth of the vote. Despite asserting that he would not cooperate with Chega as he claimed victory, Luis Montenegro, leader of the AD coalition, has expressed concerns about his ability to govern without their support.
Despite the Democratic Alliance receiving 29.49% of the vote and 77 seats and the second largest party, the Socialist Party, receiving 28.66% of votes and 77 seats, it is unlikely that they will be able to avoid cooperation with Chega. Both parties failed to secure a working Parliamentary majority with Chega earning 18.06% of votes and 48 seats in Parliament, a whopping four times more than they gained in the last elections.
Implications
Chega’s rise carries with it serious concerns for a just and democratic future of Portugal. The party has built its platform on hostility to the Roma community, and this topic has continued to play a central role in the party’s messaging. For example, the leader of the party, André Ventura, has accused Roma of being violent and exploiting the social welfare system. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ventura was shot down in Parliament for proposing a specific confinement plan for Roma communities.
Chega has also been known for racist controversies. Ventura, for instance, was caught telling a Black member of Parliament with dual Portuguese-Guinean citizenship to go back to her own country after she claimed that artifacts obtained from former Portuguese colonies should be returned. He has also expressed Islamophobic beliefs after arguing the dangers of the Islamic wave and calling for the de-Islamizaiton of the European Union. Chega’s growth as a political force has been accompanied by a series of radical and largely unconstitutional proposals such as chemical castration for sex offenders. Finally, Chega has advocated for stricter immigration policy including implementing quotas for the entry of foreigners and stricter criminal penalties. Now that Chega has grown in popularity and political influence, it is believed that they will use their representation in parliament to block legislation formed by the Democratic Alliance and aim to assert their undemocratic values.
Portugal’s recent election results signal a noteworthy shift in European politics, showcasing a potential surge toward the far right. The rise of right-wing parties in Portugal mirrors similar movements across Europe, where nationalist sentiments and concerns over immigration and identity have gained traction. This trend suggests a broader shift in the political landscape, with implications for governance, policy-making, and social cohesion throughout the region.
Featured Image Source: LA Times
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