António José Seguro of the Socialist Party won Portugal's presidential election in the second round on Sunday (8), defeating far-right candidate André Ventura with about 66% of the votes to 33%. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva congratulated Seguro, emphasizing the victory for democracy and support for the Mercosul-EU agreement. The election marks the left's return to Portugal's presidency after 20 years.
Portugal's presidential election featured a second-round contest between Socialist Party candidate António José Seguro and far-right Chega leader André Ventura. With over 96% of votes counted, Seguro secured 66% of valid votes, defeating Ventura by about 30 percentage points. Abstention was around 48%, similar to the first round's 47.7%, showing stable voter turnout. This marks the second second-round presidential election since 1986, with a record 45.5% participation among eligible voters.
At 63, Seguro is a former Socialist Party leader who left politics in 2014 after losing to António Costa. Holding a degree in International Relations and a master's in Political Science, he is a businessman in tourism, agriculture, and food sectors. His campaign focused on moderation, progressivism, and humanism under the slogan "Futuro Seguro." Ventura quickly conceded, stating: "I wish Seguro to be a good president because the Portuguese need it." He had promised to shake up the country and criticized the Mercosul-EU agreement for harming Portuguese farmers.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva congratulated Seguro on X: "Congratulations to António José Seguro, president-elect of Portugal, for the expressive victory at the polls this Sunday (8). In an election that developed peacefully and represents the victory of democracy at such an important moment for Europe and the world. And it consolidates Portugal's position in support of the Mercosul-European Union agreement. Brazil will continue working in partnership with the president-elect and Prime Minister Luís Montenegro to strengthen the historic bilateral relations between our countries, in defense of multilateralism and sustainable development."
Minister Gleisi Hoffmann also celebrated: "Great victory for democracy in Portugal's presidential elections. Congratulations to the new president Antônio José Seguro of the Socialist Party and to the Portuguese people for the expressive result against the far-right candidacy." Ventura has a history of supporting former President Jair Bolsonaro and criticizing Lula, even threatening to bar him from Portugal during the 2024 Carnation Revolution commemorations.
Seguro's win resolves a first-round paradox where the left garnered 35% against over 50% for the right, but he drew moderate center-right support. Analysts credit the outcome to rejection of extremism, with polls favoring moderation amid crises in health and housing. As president, Seguro's powers are limited but include dissolving Parliament in crises; he is seen as conciliatory with center-right Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.
