Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced the dissolution of parliament in an evening address on March 13, following a vote of no confidence in the government of Luís Montenegro.
De Sousa confirmed that early elections have been scheduled for May 18—”the date preferred by most parties.” His decision came after a meeting of the Council of State, a constitutionally required advisory body for such matters.
On March 11, the Portuguese parliament dismissed the center-right government led by Montenegro, which had been entangled in a scandal over a conflict of interest.
At the heart of the controversy is a consulting firm owned by the prime minister’s family. The firm allegedly secured contracts with private companies, which the opposition claims led to Montenegro’s personal enrichment. He has denied any wrongdoing.
The no-confidence vote was initiated by Montenegro himself, as he opposed the formation of a parliamentary commission set to investigate his family’s business dealings. With parliament now dissolved, the commission will not be able to proceed with its inquiry.
