Portugal’s snap parliamentary election, held on March 10, 2024, resulted in a narrow victory for the center-right Democratic Alliance (AD), led by Luís Montenegro. However, the election outcome did not provide a clear path to a stable governing majority, creating considerable political uncertainty. The AD secured 79 seats in the 230-seat Assembly of the Republic, edging out the Socialist Party (PS), led by Pedro Nuno Santos, which won 77 seats. This extremely close margin reflects a deep polarization in Portuguese politics. The Chega party, a right-wing populist party led by André Ventura, made significant gains, increasing its representation to 50 seats. This surge in support for Chega significantly altered the political landscape and presented complex challenges for forming a government. Traditionally, Portugal has been dominated by the PS and the center-right Social Democratic Party (PSD), which forms the core of the AD coalition. However, the rise of Chega has disrupted this established order, forcing both major parties to reconsider their strategies. The election results highlighted voter frustration with issues such as cost of living increases, housing shortages, and perceptions of corruption. Luís Montenegro initially stated his intention to govern without relying on support from Chega, a position that complicated his ability to form a stable government. His stance reflected concerns about legitimizing the party’s far-right agenda and its potential impact on Portugal’s international image. However, the arithmetic of the parliament makes it difficult to ignore Chega’s influence. The PS, after suffering losses, also faced internal divisions. Pedro Nuno Santos, while acknowledging the defeat, signaled his willingness to negotiate with other parties to prevent a right-wing government supported by Chega. The smaller parties, including the liberal Iniciativa Liberal (IL) and the left-wing Bloco de Esquerda (BE) and Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), also play a crucial role in shaping the outcome. Their ability to negotiate and form alliances will be critical in determining the stability and direction of the next government. The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, plays a crucial role in navigating this period of political uncertainty. He has the power to appoint the Prime Minister and, if necessary, dissolve parliament and call for new elections. His actions will be guided by the need to ensure political stability and respect for the will of the Portuguese people. The outcome of the 2024 election presents Portugal with a complex challenge. The AD’s narrow victory, coupled with the rise of Chega and the fragmented parliament, makes forming a stable and effective government a difficult task. Negotiations and potential alliances between different parties will be essential to navigate this political landscape and address the pressing issues facing the country. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future direction of Portuguese politics.