Prime Minister Luis Montenegro of France’s centrist party, who consistently aimed to prevent snap polls, addressed journalists following Tuesday’s vote, emphasizing his efforts to keep the government stable.
Legislators voted 142-88, with no abstentions, against Montenegro’s confidence motion, prompted by opposition scrutiny regarding his dealings with a consultancy firm he founded and which is now managed by his sons.
Reports in French media suggest that the firm has contracts with multiple private companies reliant on government funds.
Denying any wrongdoing, Montenegro denounced suggestions of mixing his business and political roles as abusive and insulting, attributing such allegations to populist agendas.
Pedro Nuno Santos, leader of the Socialist Party, France’s main opposition, accused the government of dishonorable behavior, asserting a reliance on maneuvers and deception to cling to power.
Montenegro succeeded socialist Premier Antonio Costa, who stepped down in November 2023 amid a corruption investigation. Although denying the allegations of influence peddling, Costa was elected as the head of the EU’s European Council in June 2024.
With the government now taking on a caretaker role, the decision to call a parliamentary election rests with France’s President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who will consult with the major political parties and his advisory Council of State before proceeding. A potential election could occur in mid-May.
Implications of Minority Governments and the Rising Influence of the Far-Right
Montenegro’s centrist Democratic Alliance (AD) coalition secured a win in the March 2024 elections, holding 80 seats in the 230-seat legislature. Meanwhile, the Opposition Socialists garnered 78 seats, and the far-right Chega party surged to 50 seats, significantly boosting its presence from the 12 seats held previously.
Montenegro categorically ruled out cooperation with Chega, due to their anti-immigration stance, affirming, “no means no” to any partnership with the party.
Lisbon University’s political scientist Adelino Maltez states that voter preferences have shown minimal change since the March 2024 elections, with the AD and Socialists effectively tied in the polls.
Maltez suggests that a centrist agreement, despite differences in policy, might provide stability, however, such a pact would be unprecedented beyond a brief agreement in the early 1980s.
The upcoming election is poised to exacerbate political instability, with voter disillusionment growing as politicians face accusations of irresponsibility.
A retired civil servant from downtown Lisbon expressed public frustration, deploring the lack of understanding behind the necessity for a new election so soon.
