Portugal's center-right minority government collapsed on Tuesday following a vote of no confidence, setting the stage for the country's third election in as many years. The vote, in which lawmakers rejected Prime Minister Luis Montenegro's confidence motion by a margin of 142-88 with no abstentions, was provoked by accusations of ethical misconduct related to a consultancy firm founded by Montenegro and currently overseen by his sons. Despite denying any wrongdoing, Montenegro defended his actions in parliament prior to the vote, asserting, "The insinuation that I mixed my business and political activity is completely abusive."

With Montenegro's administration now assuming a caretaker role, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will consult major political parties to determine the next steps, with the possibility of a new election in mid-May. Efforts to negotiate with the opposition Socialists to avert a snap election failed, leading to accusations of crisis and leadership inadequacy. As election fatigue and disillusionment grow among voters, the prospect of a conclusive outcome from the upcoming election remains uncertain, with analysts foreseeing continued political instability.