On Sunday, February 8, Portugal will head to the polls for a decisive second round of presidential elections characterized as historic for the country. The contest is primarily between António José Seguro of the Socialist Party, who emerged as the frontrunner from the first round with around 31% of the votes, and far-right candidate André Ventura from the Chega party, who secured second place with 23.49%. This election marks a significant point in Portuguese politics, as the far-right has increasingly become a powerful force in Parliament over the past year.

The political system in Portugal operates under a semi-presidential framework, which results in a division of powers between the president and the prime minister. While the president does not engage in daily government operations, they wield significant authority to influence major political decisions. As such, the outcome of this election is not just about the presidency but reflects the broader ideological divisions within Portuguese society and raises questions about the future direction of government policy.

The rise of the far-right in Parliament and Ventura’s candidacy highlight shifting political sentiments among the Portuguese electorate, which may be responding to various socio-economic factors and increasing concerns over immigration and national identity. As voters prepare to make a choice, the implications of their decision could reshape Portugal’s political landscape for years to come, making this election particularly critical for all parties involved.