In Portugal, António José Seguro, the candidate from the Socialist Party, has successfully secured a convincing victory in the second and decisive round of the presidential election held on Sunday. Preliminary results indicate that Seguro received 66 percent of the votes, representing around two-thirds of the total, while his opponent, right-wing politician André Ventura, garnered 34 percent. This victory marks a significant transition as the 63-year-old former leader of the Socialist Party will take over the presidential office from the conservative Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

During the first round of voting three weeks ago, where 11 candidates were in the running, Seguro emerged as a central figure with 31 percent of the votes. André Ventura, from the far-right party Chega, finished in second place with 23.5 percent. The decisive second round on Sunday saw Seguro engaging support from more moderate voters on the right, who were reluctant to back Ventura due to his populist rhetoric and controversial stance on several issues.

This election outcome is crucial not only for the Socialist Party but also for Portugal's political landscape, reflecting a shift towards the left amid rising concerns over the far-right's influence in Europe. Seguro’s victory may signal potential changes in policy direction, with expectations of increased focus on social issues and possibly a more inclusive political environment, as he seeks to unite the fragmented electorate.