Feb 8, 2026, 11:41 amFeb 8, 2026, 11:41 am
The runoff election for the presidency began this morning in Portugal, which was hit by a series of storms. Around eleven million eligible voters are called upon to choose a successor to the conservative incumbent Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. The polling stations close at 7 p.m. local time (8 p.m. CET), and an hour later on the Azores islands further west.
The head of state has relatively much power in the EU country. The president can veto laws, dissolve parliament and call new elections.
The social democratic politician António José Seguro from the Socialist Party (PS) is considered the clear favorite. His opponent is the right-wing populist André Ventura from the Chega (Enough is enough) party. Voter turnout could be lower than in previous elections due to the effects of the storm. In a speech to the nation, Rebelo de Sousa called for people to vote despite the problems caused by the many storms.
Video: watson/Emanuella Kälin
The election winner is expected to succeed 77-year-old Rebelo de Sousa, who has led the EU country in southwestern Europe since 2016, on March 9th. (sda/dpa)