Half of Portuguese say country worse than in 2025 according to survey – Chega leader’s popularity slipping

A survey has revealed that just over half of the Portuguese think that the country is in a worse state than it was a year ago.

More than a half of those canvassed say that the national health service SNS has got worse as had there way that government is managing the country.

Some 51% believe the country is “worse off” than a year ago, 35% say Portugal is the same, and 12% say it is better, according to a poll conducted by Católica for RTP, Antena 1, and Público, released on Wednesday ahead of the State of the Nation debate.

Despite this apparent dissatisfaction, 72% of respondents state that Luís Montenegro’s government will complete its full term.

The healthcare sector is identified as the country’s biggest problem by 17% of respondents, followed by the government’s management or political inaction (12%), the cost of living (11%), and housing (10%).

Immigration and corruption are tied (5%), followed by the economy (4%). Meanwhile, the quality of politicians, education, and the tax burden are cited by 3% of those interviewed as causes for concern.

In the poll, only 26% of respondents foresee a scenario involving early elections. The majority (79%) actually believe that the best course for the country is for the full term to be served out, compared to 17% who prefer early elections.

When it comes to the assessment of the country’s leaders, António José Seguro receives the highest score—12.1 out of 20. The President of the Republic garners 81% positive ratings.

Among the other politicians, Luís Montenegro is the only one with a positive score, albeit a slim one. The Prime Minister obtained a score of 10.2, while José Luís Carneiro and André Ventura received 9.8 and 7.5, respectively.

In fact, the Chega leader’s score is lower than those of Rui Tavares (9.3), liberal Mariana Leitão (8.6), Nuno Melo (8.4), and even Paulo Raimundo (7.6).

Sources: RTP/Antena1

Image: President António José Seguro (right)  is Portugal’s most popular politician right now while Chega’s populist leader André Ventura’s star may now be waning.

ANTÓNIO COTRIM/LUSA
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