Portugal expects stability following presidential election, says minister

Key Highlights

• His growing popularity could harden opposition in parliament to Prime Minister Luis Montenegro’s administration, which already governs without a majority and must rely on shifting alliances to pass legislation. More from World In Portugal election, socialist races ahead of far-right candidate in first round French PM Lecornu to force 2026 budget through Parliament, calls it ‘partial failure’Confidence in stability and investor outlookIn an interview with Reuters in Davos, Miranda Sarmento dismissed concerns of instability, emphasising that investors retain faith in Portugal’s economic and political steadiness.
• “Investors look at Portugal as a stable country.
• I speak to many of them, and I have never heard any concerns,” he said. He pointed out that, despite being a minority government, the administration has managed to conduct business smoothly, passing legislation through cooperation with both the Socialist Party and Chega when necessary.
• This pragmatic approach, he argued, has preserved the country’s fiscal credibility and ensured effective governance. Fiscal discipline and responsible governanceThe minister credited parliament for showing restraint in spending, noting that both the left and right have refrained from introducing populist measures that could undermine financial discipline.
• “I think the opposition learnt their lesson in the May election,” he explained, referring to the Socialists’ decision to side with Chega in rejecting a confidence motion against the government. Quick ReadsView AllOver 5,000 killed in Iran protests, activists say many more would have died during internet blackoutIndia launches 'Responsible Nations Index' to rank countries beyond GDP and powerHe added that fiscal caution remains the consensus across political lines.