The political framework of Portugal

Political Outline

Current Political Leaders

President: António José Seguro (since 9 March 2026) - PSD
Prime Minister: Antonio Luis Montenegro (since 2 April 2024) - PSD

Next Election Dates

Presidential: January 2026
Legislative: September 2028

Main Political Parties

The main political parties in Portugal include:

• Social Democratic Party (PSD): centre-right, liberal-conservative
• Socialist Party (PS): centre-left, social-democratic
• Chega (CH): nationalist, populist
• Liberal Initiative (IL): centre-right, liberal
• Left Bloc (BE): left-wing
• Unitary Democratic Coalition (CDU): left-wing, alliance between the Communist Party (PCP), the Green Party (PEV) and Democratic Intervention (ID)
• Livre: socialist, pro-European
• Popular Party (CDS-PP): right-wing, Christian democratic, conservative, works in tandem with PSD
• People-Animals-Nature Party (PAN): environmentalism, animal rights.

Executive Power

The President is the Head of State and the commander-in-chief of the army, although he/she has a primarily ceremonial and supervisory role. He or she is elected by universal suffrage for a five year term. After a general election, the leader of the majority party or coalition is usually appointed to be Prime Minister by the President. The Prime Minister is the head of the Government and holds executive power, which includes implementing laws and overseeing the everyday running of the country. The Council of Ministers is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. There is also a Council of State, which acts as an advisory body to the President.

Legislative Power

Portuguese legislative power is unicameral. The parliament, called the Assembly of the Republic, has 230 seats. The members are elected by universal suffrage for a four year term. The executive branch of government is directly or indirectly dependent on the support of Parliament, often expressed by a vote of confidence. The Prime Minister cannot dissolve the Assembly, but the President can do so and call for an early election. Portuguese citizens enjoy considerable political rights.