Latest news and stories about presidential election in immigration in Portugal for expats and residents.
Portugal heads into a runoff on February 8. As with any election, it brings a bit more attention to topics like immigration, the economy, and the country’s overall direction. For The post Portugal’s presidential election: what changes, what doesn’t appeared first on Portugal Resident.
Admiral Gouveia e Melo, who finished fourth in the first round of Portugal’s presidential election, announced he will cast a tactical (‘useful’) vote for António José Seguro in the run-off. Framing the decision as a contribution to a ‘conscious and informed choice’ for the Portuguese who supported him as an independent, he praised Seguro’s moderation, lack of a party-driven agenda and apparent unwillingness to instrumentalise the presidency. The move is presented as strategic rather than partisan, aimed at influencing the final outcome in favour of stability and non‑partisan leadership.
There is a risk of a resurgence in a climate of intolerance, increased refusals of entry into Portugal for those 'suspected' of being would‑be immigrants, and frequent police operations by the UNEF. Opinion by Carlos Vianna
The debate was marked by discussion over health, labour legislation, presidential powers, immigration regulation and foreign policy.
Expresso selected three statements by André Ventura and two by António José Seguro from the debate for the presidential election run-off to fact-check.
António José Seguro and André Ventura faced each other this Tuesday in what was the only debate of the presidential run-off. Presidential powers, the economy, health, immigration, declared endorsements for the second round and the international situation were among the main topics discussed.
António José Seguro and André Ventura faced each other this Tuesday in what was the only debate of the presidential run-off. The economy, health, immigration, declared endorsements for the run-off and the international situation were among the main topics discussed.
The two politicians found common ground on labour law and health policies but had major disagreements regarding immigration, constitutional matters and the justice system.
On the eve of the official start of the campaign for the second round of the presidential election, the two presidential candidates are set to meet at 8:30pm on RTP, SIC and TVI for the only debate before the vote.
Health, labour reform, immigration and foreign policy were highlighted in the only face-to-face between the two presidential candidates, which took place this Tuesday, broadcast simultaneously on RTP1, SIC and TVI. António José Seguro led the first round of the presidential election, held on 18 January, obtaining 31.12% of the votes, according to official data released by the General Secretariat of ...
Miguel Corte-Real says this Tuesday's debate is decisive for voters to assess the candidates' proposals and accuses António José Seguro of fearing confrontation. The supporter of André Ventura highlights the message of “putting the Portuguese first”, with particular emphasis on immigration.
Votes from emigrants in Europe, the Americas and Africa secured Ventura's victory. In Africa and Oceania, Marques Mendes came out on top. Seguro was the second-most voted candidate among emigrants.
The count of votes from 109 consulates, concluded this Monday, gave André Ventura victory in the overseas constituencies' vote for the presidential election, followed by António José Seguro, and it also confirmed an increase in turnout in this election. The most voted candidate abroad was André Ventura, leader of Chega, with 40.93%, followed by ...
André Ventura, the presidential candidate backed by Chega, on Thursday in Switzerland called on Portuguese emigrants to take part in the second round of the elections.
Chega-backed presidential candidate André Ventura on Thursday appealed in Switzerland for Portuguese emigrants to take part in the run-off.
Chega-backed presidential candidate André Ventura appealed to Portuguese emigrants in Switzerland to participate in the second round, arguing that, for the first time in democratic history, their votes “will be decisive.” He framed the contest as an opportunity to “change the system,” accusing PSD, CDS and IL of colluding with Seguro in a “cosy arrangement of interests,” and urged emigrants to cast a decisive vote in the run-off.
The article analyses the surprise outcome of the first round of Portugal’s 2026 presidential election, won by António José Seguro and André Ventura, and the failure of many recent polls to foresee those results. It examines how polling published during the campaign understated late dynamics and argues that neither the standings nor vote shares point to a decisive ‘useful vote’ effect. The piece also reflects on the broader consequences for poll credibility and media narratives, warning that dismissing polls or candidates out of hand risks undermining both public understanding and the activity of polling itself.
Ventura secured almost twice as many votes as Seguro among the diaspora — enough for him to call us, the emigrants, fascists.
From healthcare to labour laws, from immigration to their relationship with Luís Montenegro's government, António José Seguro and André Ventura are polar opposites.
António José Seguro won, but will face André Ventura in a run-off. Forty years on, the country has returned to a second round. What happened in the presidential election? Analysis with Miguel Pinheiro.
The country needs a President who promotes the attraction and integration of immigrants.
More than 11 million voters are being called to the polls to elect the next President of the Republic, after ten years of Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. This year the choice of the next occupant of Belém Palace is between 11 candidates, a record number.
Portuguese voters went to the polls on Sunday morning to vote in a closely contested presidential election. A record 11 candidates are contesting Portugal's presidential election.
This analysis examines how demands for transparency from presidential hopefuls in the run-up to the 18 January election have become a tactical weapon between rivals. It explores the tension between legitimate public interest in candidates’ backgrounds and the risk of intrusive exposure of private life, reviews the legal and ethical boundaries, and argues for clearer, proportionate rules and safeguards to balance accountability, privacy and fair campaigning.
