Portugal's president signs decree to dissolve parliament, announces snap elections

On March 19, the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, signed a decree dissolving the Assembly of the Republic and calling for early legislative elections on May 18.

This decision follows the fall of the PSD/CDS-PP minority government after a motion of confidence was rejected on March 11, Caliber.Az reports, citing Portuguese media.

The decree comes into effect on March 20. During the dissolution of parliament, the Permanent Committee of the Legislative Assembly, composed of the president, vice-presidents, and MPs from all parties, will remain in operation.

This marks the tenth dissolution of the Assembly since the 1974 revolution and the third under President Rebelo de Sousa. The decision comes after a prolonged political crisis, which began in February, involving questions about Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's family business, Spinumviva. Despite two rejected motions of censure and an announced commission of inquiry by the PS, Montenegro's motion of confidence was also rejected on March 5.

As per the Constitution, the decree sets the election date within 60 days of parliament's dissolution and complies with electoral law, which mandates elections be called at least 55 days in advance.

By Khagan Isayev