New Portuguese Cabinet Faces Challenges in Addressing Parliamentary Weakness and Political Uncertainty

Following his appointment by the President of the Republic, Luis Montenegro presented his team at the Belém Palace. The meeting with the Head of State was brief, but soon after, the list of names was made public. Montenegro selected a team with significant political weight to navigate the uncertain and unstable days ahead, given the parliamentary challenges he faces.

Two key figures in the Government will be MEP Paulo Rangel, who will be in charge of Foreign Affairs, and Joaquim Miranda Sarmiento, who will serve as the Minister of Finance. Both have held significant positions within the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and will play vital roles in economic management and international relations during these turbulent times. Other members of the Cabinet include Miguel Pinto Luz, who will oversee Infrastructure and Housing, sensitive areas of focus based on current national needs.

Miranda Sarmiento will inherit a favorable budget surplus, allowing the new team to address demands from professional groups seeking salary improvements. However, Montenegro’s government faces several challenges such as governing partly through decree due to its parliamentary weakness and must carefully navigate its decisions. The appointment of Nuno Melo to Defense represents a step toward solidifying alliances within the coalition that led Montenegro to victory in elections. With seven women holding ministerial positions, gender parity is maintained albeit with a decrease from previous socialist governments.

Montenegro’s decision to exclude far-right party Chega has strained relations; however, party leader André Ventura has challenged Montenegro’s leadership. As Montenegro’s Government prepares to take office, pressure will intensify to deliver on key issues such as salary improvements and public spending while navigating complex political landscape striving to meet Portuguese people’s demands.

The European and Madeira elections will be crucial tests for new administration as they navigate challenging political landscape while delivering on key issues such as salary improvements and public spending demanded by Portuguese people.