Center-left Socialist candidate wins over populist in Portugal's presidential runoff

"In Portugal, the president is largely a figurehead with no executive power. Traditionally, the head of state stands above the political fray, mediating disputes and defusing tensions. However, the president is an influential voice and possesses some powerful tools, being able to veto legislation from parliament, although the veto can be overturned. The head of state also possesses what in Portuguese political jargon is called an "atomic bomb," the power to dissolve parliament and call early elections."

"The ballot was an opportunity to test the depth of support for Ventura's brash style, which has struck a chord with voters and helped make his Chega (Enough) party the second-biggest in the Portuguese parliament, as well as gauge the public appetite for Europe's increasing shift to the right in recent years. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Seguro and said on social media that "Portugal's voice for our shared European values remains strong.""

"LISBON, Portugal Center-left Socialist candidate Antonio Jose Seguro recorded a thumping victory over hard-right populist Andre Ventura in Portugal's runoff presidential election Sunday, according to official results with 99% of votes counted. Seguro won a five-year term in Lisbon's riverside "pink palace" with 66.7% of votes, compared with 33.3% for Ventura. The ballot was an opportunity to test the depth of support for Ventura's brash style, which has struck a chord with voters"

Antonio Jose Seguro won Portugal's presidential runoff with 66.7% of the vote, defeating hard-right populist Andre Ventura who received 33.3%. Ventura's Chega party has become the second-largest in parliament, reflecting significant public support for his brash, anti-establishment style. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the result, saying "Portugal's voice for our shared European values remains strong." Seguro positioned himself as a moderate who will cooperate with the center-right minority government and repudiated Ventura's anti-immigrant rhetoric, winning backing from mainstream politicians across the spectrum. The president holds limited executive power but can veto legislation and dissolve parliament, affecting political stability after repeated elections.

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