This Sunday, Portugal will hold presidential elections to determine its next president, occurring less than a year after elections that established the current prime minister. In Portugal's unique political system, known as semi-presidentialism, the executive power is divided between the prime minister and the president, each having distinct roles and powers. While the prime minister handles day-to-day governance and administrative duties, the president possesses significant powers to influence crucial national decisions, even though he remains largely removed from daily government operations.

The prime minister in Portugal is responsible for the administration of the country, such as assembling a ministerial team, proposing legislation, and engaging with local governments. Additionally, the prime minister has the authority to make important decisions regarding military deployments and international missions. In contrast, the president's role is primarily ceremonial, and even though he may not be involved in everyday governance, he plays a vital role in shaping the overall direction of national policy through significant decision-making capacities.

This dual leadership structure in Portugal raises interesting questions about the balance of power and governance dynamics within the country, especially as the electorate prepares to make a choice that could influence Portugal's political landscape significantly. Understanding the specifics of each leader's role is crucial for voters as they head to the polls, making informed decisions about their preferred candidates and the future direction of Portuguese governance.