Elections: PS already admitting defeat as CHEGA surges in emigrant vote

CHEGA is set to become Portugal’s main opposition party

By Michael Bruxo – The Portugal Resident

Votes are still being counted, but the Socialist Party (PS) is already conceding defeat. With just four seats left to be decided by the emigrant vote, PS president Carlos César has recognised what many had already predicted: CHEGA is on track to overtake PS as the second-largest party in Parliament – in other words, Portugal‘s main opposition party.

“As expected, after the domestic results, PS is likely to become the third largest party in terms of MPs, once the votes from Portuguese communities in Europe and beyond are fully counted,” César wrote on social media this Wednesday.

Early figures show CHEGA with a commanding lead in the Europe constituency, with over 35,000 votes – more than double the 17,000 for the AD coalition (PSD/CDS).

Outside Europe, the race is tighter, with AD narrowly leading Chega (around 7,000 to 6,500 votes), but the far-right party could still pick up as many as four seats from the emigrant vote alone.

Looking ahead, Carlos César called for unity within the PS as the party heads toward a leadership change on June 28, with José Luis Carneiro set to take over as the new secretary-general.

“From then on, there can only be one way forward: unity, rowing in the same direction, and backing the best among us for the local elections.”

He added that the party must reflect, correct course, and “earn back the trust of the Portuguese people.”

According to the Interior Ministry’s figures released Wednesday, 347,932 ballots from Portuguese citizens abroad had been received – 22.04% of all registered emigrant voters – a slight increase from 2024’s participation at this point.

The final tally is taking place at the Lisbon International Fair (FIL) and will allocate two MPs from Europe and two from outside Europe.