Moderate socialist António José Seguro wins Portugal’s presidential runoff in a landslide, defeating far-right challenger André Ventura as voters back stability and reject populist, anti-establishment politics
Moderate socialist António José Seguro has secured a decisive victory in Portugal’s presidential runoff, winning a five-year term after defeating far-right challenger André Ventura, according to exit polls and partial results released on Sunday.
Despite days of severe storms and flooding, voter turnout remained broadly in line with the first round held on January 18. Voting had to be postponed by a week in three municipal councils in southern and central Portugal due to floods, but the disruption is unlikely to affect the final outcome.
“The response the Portuguese people gave today, their commitment to freedom, democracy, and the future of our country, leaves me naturally moved and proud of our nation,” Seguro, 63, told reporters.
Landslide margin
With nearly 70% of ballots counted, Seguro was leading with 64% of the vote, while Ventura trailed at 36%. Two exit polls projected an even wider margin, placing Seguro between 67% and 73%.
The delayed vote affected around 37,000 registered voters—roughly 0.3% of the electorate. Votes from major cities such as Lisbon and Porto were among those counted later.
Ventura’s result, while a defeat, still marks a significant improvement over the 22.8% won by his anti-immigration Chega party in last year’s general election. Chega has since emerged as Portugal’s second-largest parliamentary force, reflecting the growing appeal of the far right.
“The entire political system, across both right and left, united against me,” Ventura said after attending a Catholic mass in Lisbon. “Even so … I believe the leadership of the right has been defined and secured today. I expect to lead that political space from this day forward,“ he added.
A ceremonial but influential role
Portugal’s presidency is largely ceremonial but carries key powers, including vetoing legislation and dissolving parliament. Ventura had pledged a more “interventionist” presidency, while Seguro has positioned himself as a stabilising figure.
Casting himself as the face of a “modern and moderate” left, Seguro has pledged cooperation with the centre-right minority government and received backing from conservatives wary of Ventura’s populist rhetoric.
End of Article
