Portugal's President Dissolves Parliament, Calls for Early Elections on May 18

Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa dissolved the country's Parliament on Thursday, March 13, and called for early legislative elections to be held on May 18. This decision follows the rejection of a confidence motion against Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's government. The motion was defeated by a vote of 142 to 88. The President stated that all parties favored holding legislative elections. He urged parties to focus on issues such as the economy, employment, inflation, inequality, and education during the election debate.