Centre-left Socialist António José Seguro scored a landslide victory over far-right populist André Ventura in Portugal’s presidential runoff on Sunday, exit polls showed, dealing a blow to the country’s rising populist right and handing the largely ceremonial presidency to a moderate figure promising stability after years of political turmoil.

Issued on: 08/02/2026 - 21:45

By: FRANCE 24 In this file photo, moderate Socialist Antonio Jose Seguro gestures during his closing event, ahead of the presidential runoff against far-right leader Andre Ventura, scheduled for February 8, in Porto, on February 6, 2026. © Reuters, Rita Franca Centre-left Socialist candidate António José Seguro recorded a thumping victory over far-right populist André Ventura in Portugal’s runoff presidential election Sunday, exit polls indicated.

Polls by the country’s three main broadcasters suggested the moderate Seguro won a five-year term in Lisbon’s riverside “pink palace” with around 70% of the votes, compared with about 30% for Ventura. Most official results were expected by 11 p.m. 

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.

Seguro, a longstanding Socialist politician, positioned himself as a moderate candidate who will cooperate with Portugal’s centre-right minority government, repudiating Ventura’s anti-establishment and anti-immigrant tirades.

He won the backing of other mainstream politicians on the left and right who want to halt the rising populist tide.

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.

In May, Portugal held its third general election in three years in the country's worst bout of political instability for decades, and steadying the ship is a key challenge for the next president.

Ventura, an eloquent and theatrical politician, has rejected political accommodation in favour of a more combative stance. 

Making it through to the runoff was already a milestone for Ventura and his party, which have recalibrated Portuguese politics.

One of Ventura's main targets has been what he calls excessive immigration, as foreign workers have become more conspicuous in Portugal in recent years. 

“Portugal is ours,” he said.

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During the campaign, Ventura put up billboards across the country saying, “This isn’t Bangladesh” and “Immigrants shouldn’t be allowed to live on welfare.”

Although he founded his party less than seven years ago, its surge in public support made it the second-largest party in Portugal’s parliament in the May 18 general election.

In March, the winner will replace centre-right President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who has served the constitutional limit of two five-year terms.

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