Source: Al Jazeera [Qatari state media]
“Portugal’s centre-right government has lost a confidence vote in parliament, potentially pushing the European Union (EU) country towards its third general election in three years. The government ‘tried everything right up to the last minute to avoid snap elections,’ Portugal’s centre-right prime minister, Luis Montenegro, told reporters after the vote on Tuesday evening. Lawmakers voted 142-88, with zero abstentions, against the motion of confidence that Montenegro presented after the opposition questioned the integrity of his dealings related to a consultancy firm he founded. Portuguese media reported allegations that the firm, which is now run by Montenegro’s sons, had contracts with several private companies that rely on government contracts. Montenegro, who had already survived two censure votes, denies any wrongdoing.” (03/11/25)