António José Seguro wins Portugal’s Presidential election

In Portugal’s presidential runoff on Sunday, center-left Socialist candidate António José Seguro won a decisive victory over populist André Ventura, with 66.7% of the vote compared to Ventura’s 33.3%, according to official results with 99% of votes counted.

The election was seen as a test of support for Ventura’s hard-right populism, which has resonated with voters and helped make his Chega (Enough) party the second-largest in the Portuguese parliament. It also reflected Europe’s broader shift to the right in recent years. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Seguro, emphasizing that Portugal’s commitment to European values remains strong.

Seguro, a veteran Socialist politician, campaigned as a moderate who would work with Portugal’s center-right government and reject Ventura’s anti-establishment, anti-immigrant rhetoric. Although the Portuguese presidency holds limited power, with the role mainly symbolic, the president can veto legislation and call early elections if necessary. Ensuring stability after Portugal’s recent political turmoil will be a major challenge for Seguro.

Ventura, known for his combative style, expressed his determination to continue pushing for political change. His anti-immigration stance, including campaign messages like “This isn’t Bangladesh,” has made him a controversial figure.

Despite his defeat, Ventura’s performance marked a significant moment for his party, which has quickly gained ground in Portuguese politics since its founding less than seven years ago. 

Seguro will take office next month, succeeding center-right President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who has reached the constitutional limit of two terms.