Portugal to hold snap elections on May 18 after govt collapse

LISBON: Portugal will elect a new parliament as early as May 18 following the collapse of Luis Montenegro's conservative minority government, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said on Thursday, adding that parliament will be dissolved, German Press Agency (dpa) reported.

This will be the third snap election in the south-western European country since the beginning of 2022.

The next election was not due until 2028.

Rebelo de Sousa began consultations with party leaders just around 48 hours after the centre-right minority government collapsed in a no-confidence vote.

He also consulted with the Council of State, which advises the president in times of crisis.

Montenegro was ousted by parliament on Tuesday evening following mounting pressure over allegations of a conflict of interest linked to his family business. He denies any wrongdoing.

Since the no-confidence vote, Portugal has only had a caretaker government with limited powers. Therefore, several key initiatives will have to be put on hold until a new government is formed.

--BERNAMA-dpa