Montenegro Forms New Government with Political Heavyweights Ahead of Uncertain Elections

After being asked by the President of the Republic to form a government, Luis Montenegro returned to the Belém Palace to present his chosen team. The meeting with the Head of State was short but soon after, the list of names was made public. Montenegro selected a team with political weight to navigate the uncertain and unstable days ahead, given the parliamentary challenges he faces.

The new government will be led by two key figures in charge of Foreign Affairs and Finance. MEP Paulo Rangel has been appointed as Foreign Affairs Minister, while Joaquim Miranda Sarmiento will serve as Minister of Finance. Both have held significant positions within the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and will play vital roles in economic management and international relations during these turbulent times.

Miranda Sarmiento will inherit a favorable budget surplus, allowing the new team to address demands from professional groups seeking salary improvements. However, governing partly through decree due to its parliamentary weakness poses a challenge for this new administration. The appointment of Nuno Melo to the Defense portfolio represents a step towards solidifying alliances within the coalition that led Montenegro to victory in the elections.

Gender parity is maintained in this new government with seven women holding ministerial positions, albeit with a decrease from the previous socialist Government. Montenegro’s decision to exclude far-right party Chega has strained relations, as party leader André Ventura has challenged Montenegro’s leadership.

As Montenegro’s government prepares to take office, pressure on delivering on key issues such as salary improvements and public spending will intensify. The European and Madeira elections will be crucial tests for this new administration as it navigates a complex political landscape while striving to meet demands from Portuguese people.