Socialists conceding in Portuguese election seen as bellwether for Europe

In one of the tightest elections in Portuguese history, the ruling Socialists accepted defeat to a center-right alliance. The Social Democrats edged out the Socialists by a razor-thin margin, with the far-right Chega Party making significant gains. Despite early indications favoring the center-right, the final count was extremely close due to the surge of the far right. The Socialists’ concession likely prevented a coalition between the center-right and the far right, setting the stage for a center-right minority government. Chega’s unexpected success has stirred calls for its inclusion in the conservative government, raising concerns among some voters about its anti-migrant and misinformation campaigns. This election, marred by corruption scandals and economic challenges, indicates a growing polarization in Portuguese politics.

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