| Author (Corporate) | Cardiff EDC (Compiler) |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2015 |
| Content Type | Overview |
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Summary: Portugal held a parliamentary election on 4 October 2015. The incumbent coalition collected the highest share of the votes but did not manage to achieve an overall parliamentary majority, eventually impeding its right-wing parties (Social Democratic Party - PSD and People's Party - PP) from governing. The centre-left Socialist Party (PS) came second after months leading the polls ahead of the legislative election. Further information: The Portuguese President called for the election on 22 July, while highlighting the importance of a consistent majority in the future parliament to secure political stability in the country, and hinted he might prevent any government without a majority to take office after the election. Portugalwas by then back to economic growth following years of recession, triggered by an austerity programme following a bailout from international stakeholders. However, the election resulted in a hung Parliament, with a clear divide between the north and the south of the country. No political party or political bloc managed to gather a parliamentary majority. The Left Bloc (BE) achieved its best electoral result yet and the third position, while the Communist/Green coalition was fourth. A new party made it to the Parliament for the first time in over a decade. Voter turnout reached its lowest point since democracy was introduced in the country. |
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| Subject Categories | Politics and International Relations |
| Subject Tags | Parliamentary | Legislative Elections |
| Countries / Regions | Portugal |
