The second round of presidential elections in Portugal, set for February 8, represents more than just the selection of a new head of state; it acts as a barometer for the political changes that have hit what was once regarded as one of the most stable countries in the European Union. Fifteen years ago, the Southern European nations, colloquially referred to as PIGS (Portugal, Italy, Greece, Spain), plunged into economic crisis, triggering drastic budget cuts that led to significant shifts in their political landscapes. In Italy, the right-wing Brothers of Italy party emerged, Greece experienced a leftward swing with Syriza in power, and Spain saw the rise of extreme movements like Podemos and Vox on both ends of the political spectrum.