In Portugal, the second round of presidential elections has officially begun, despite facing challenging weather conditions that have impacted the voting process. More than 30,000 voters have experienced delays due to severe stormy weather in various locations across the country, forcing some polling stations to postpone voting for the week. This situation highlights the logistical challenges in conducting elections under adverse weather circumstances.

The runoff features notable candidates such as Andre Ventura, the leader of the far-right Chega party and a former football commentator, alongside Antonio Jose Seguro, the former leader of the Socialist party. Ventura's controversial far-right stance has raised concerns among voters, many of whom lean favorably towards Seguro, who has consistently led in opinion polls leading up to the election. This dynamic sets the stage for a competitive election that could shape the future political landscape of Portugal.

As Portugal navigates these weather challenges, the implications of this election are significant, especially given Ventura's rise in popularity amidst increasing support for populist movements across Europe. Voter turnout will be a critical factor in determining the outcome, and how the weather influences people's ability to cast their ballots could also impact the overall results, making this election particularly noteworthy in the context of current political trends in Europe.