New crisis stove Portugal: Family company falls government

Broke in parliament

New crisis stove Portugal: Family company falls government

In Portugal, the world seemed to be largely fine until a few weeks ago. But suddenly Europe has another crisis stove there – one that also affects German interests.

The opaque business of a company of the family of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro brought down the conservative minority government in Portugal. In the past few weeks, the head of government was increasingly driven into the corner of the opposition, which accuses him of taking advantage and a conflict of interest – until the 52 -year -old asked the question of trust in Parliament in Lisbon and suffered a devastating defeat in the vote: 144 to 88 votes, the voting result in the “Assembléia da República”.

The popular holiday country is therefore heading for an early choice of parliament in May. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa could now commission another politician of the Democratic Alliance (AD) or opposition leader Pedro Santos from the Socialist Party (PS) to form a new government. However, it is likely that he will call for elections for May 11th or 18.

The head of state, which had already canceled a visit to Estonia because of the crisis this week, did not lose time and ordered the party leader to consult today. On Thursday, he wants to advise himself with the State Council – a body that has existed in Portugal since 1845, which advises the president in times of crisis and belongs to the current and former mandate bearer and other personalities.

Rebelo’s decision is expected on Friday at the latest. But no matter how it turns out – Portugal’s future is uncertain. Many fear a strengthening of the right -wing populists of Chega, who are already forming the third force behind AD (80 seats) and PS (78) with 49 MPs. Chega boss André Ventura spoke of a “theater” in the heated debate. Columnist Manuel Fonseca had already prophesied before the vote in “Correio da Manhã”: “Today Chega wins.” Commentators later commented similarly in the CNN Portugal broadcaster.

Europe comes anything but located. But especially in Germany, some are likely to look at the country with 10.5 million inhabitants. Not only because Montenegro, which had only been in office for just under a year, was considered a reliable partner in Brussels. The executive government has limited powers. Many projects are put on ice, including the privatization of the airline TAP, in which Lufthansa is also interested.

The crisis came as a surprise. Even after the change of government from spring 2024, the former EU debt resident recorded good growth rates and historically low unemployment with continued strict spending discipline. But finally the events overturned.

The opposition accuses Montenegro. The advisory and real estate company Spinumviva, founded by the trained lawyer in 2021, is said to have benefited from the position of the prime minister in order to sign contracts with private companies. Montenegro denies all irregularity. The company now only belongs to its sons Hugo and Diogo. However, he did not reveal any further information about the customers.