Socialist Party Retains Control of Parliament in Portuguese Elections By Phillip Howard
The center-left Social Party emerged victories in Portugal’s recent election. Out of the 226 seats awarded in the official count, the Socialists claimed 106 seats, with the second place Social Democratic Party receiving 77. They will attempt to build a ruling coalition and lead the government for another four years.
Antonio Costa, leader of the Socialists and the current prime minister, said he would soon begin talks with other parties in forming a coalition government. Costa said in his victory speech that “political stability is essential for Portugal’s international credibility.”
Antonio Costa (Photo from the Portuguese government)
The Socialists, despite winning the most seats, fell short of holding a parliamentary majority. During the last election in 2015, Costa became prime minister despite losing the election after convincing two smaller left-wing parties to support him.
Costa has done something that has become a rarity in Europe: become a socialist leader with a very successful economy. Costa ran on eliminating the austerity measures taken by the previous conservative government in 2015, but ended up championing fiscal responsibility and reducing investment in health care to better balance the budget.
Photo by Reuters
Costa still faces a tougher challenge this time around in establishing a government. Smaller parties made significant gains, though Costa will only need the backing of one other party.
Costa’s mandate further limited by voter turnout, the lowest ever. 45 percent of eligible voters stayed home.
Phillip Howard is a graduate student at Utica College
