In the recent Portuguese runoff election, António José Seguro emerged victorious, marking a significant political shift as a Socialist president takes office after two decades. Seguro, the former leader of the Socialist Party (PS), won decisively against the far-right candidate André Ventura, receiving approximately two-thirds of the votes according to exit polls. This election result not only highlights the public’s rejection of Ventura but also signifies a return to Socialist governance in Portugal following years of right-leaning leadership.

The turnout for this runoff election was notably high, even in the face of severe weather conditions that had impacted the country for nearly two weeks. Many Portuguese citizens showed a strong interest in participating, driven by dissatisfaction over the government's response to the recent adverse weather events. The public's heightened engagement at the polls reflects a collective desire for change and a better approach to pressing national issues, including effective disaster management.

André Ventura's performance in the first round had already been considered a political achievement, as it marked the first time his far-right party, Chega, had reached this stage of the election after 40 years. Despite his defeat in the runoff, Ventura's presence in the election and the support he garnered indicate a growing segment of Portuguese society aligning with right-wing populism, which may have long-term implications for the country's political landscape and future electoral contests.