The PSOE of Extremadura calls on its Portuguese colleagues
The Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) of Extremadura has expressed concern about the advance of the far right in Portugal, urging its colleagues in the Portuguese Socialist Party to take measures to stop its progress.
Following the recent elections in Portugal, in which the center-right Democratic Alliance (AD) won a narrow victory, the Extremaduran PSOE has expressed its support for its Portuguese comrades, recognizing the challenge they face in stopping the advance of the extreme right in the neighboring country.
Concern about the possible influence of the extreme right
The regional PSOE spokesperson, Soraya Vega, expressed her solidarity with the Portuguese Socialist Party, highlighting the importance of stopping the advance of the extreme right in Portugal. This concern arises as a result of the momentary victory of the Democratic Alliance, led by Luis Montenegro, with a margin of only 0.83% advantage and with the vote of the emigrants still pending to be counted.
The PSOE of Extremadura fears that the influence of the extreme right in Portugal could have repercussions similar to those experienced in Extremadura, where the Popular Party (PP) and Vox formed a government coalition, generating significant consequences for the region.
Election results and political challenges
In the Portuguese elections, the Democratic Alliance won 79 seats, two more than the Socialist Party. However, the possible incorporation of another 5 Liberal Initiative seats could allow them to form a government.
The party that experienced a notable rise in the elections was the extreme right of Chega (“Basta”), which quadrupled its 2022 results, aspiring to a coalition with the Democratic Alliance that would give them an absolute majority, with the inclusion of the extremist leader André Ventura in the Executive.
Against this backdrop, socialist leader Pedro Nuno Santos has announced his intention to join the opposition and not seek an alliance with the Left Bloc and CDU, among other objectives, with the goal of counteracting Chega’s advance.
