Political Unrest in Portugal: Impending Election Chaos

Portugal's parliament is set to reject a confidence motion in the centre-right government, leading to a probable early general election, the third in just over three years. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, facing scrutiny over a consultancy firm he founded, has denied any misconduct. Voter fatigue and political stalemate loom.

Portugal's political scene is on the brink of upheaval, as parliament prepares to vote on a motion of confidence that is expected to destabilize the current minority centre-right government. The vote, scheduled for later today, appears destined for failure, potentially triggering a third early general election in over three years.

Prime Minister Luis Montenegro initiated the motion amidst scrutiny regarding a consultancy firm he established, now controlled by his sons. Montenegro has vehemently denied any unethical actions. The two main opposition parties, the centre-left Socialists and far-right Chega, have vowed to defeat the motion, which would leave the government in a caretaker capacity.

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will face the decision to call a new election, possibly by mid-May. Political scientists and analysts predict the election will yield no clear mandate, while voters express frustration with the persistent political instability and what they perceive as the irresponsibility of their politicians.

(With inputs from agencies.)