President of Portugal Has Called a Quick Election

Portugal’s president has stated that parliament would be dissolved and a snap election will be held on January 30.

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa noted the national assembly’s rejection of the government’s draught budget for 2022, which is the first time in decades that this has happened. As Portugal seeks to recover from the pandemic and a “economic and social disaster,” he said the budget will be critical.

The early election comes after Prime Minister António Costa’s government had a period of relative political stability. Despite his Socialist Party’s lack of a majority in parliament, he has remained in power for the past six years. The Socialists forged agreements with far-left parties after the 2015 election to ensure the passage of critical legislation.