FrontPages.EU logo

FrontPages.EU

Archives
Log in
Subscribe
September 18, 2026

Portugal: Government popularity plummets in new polls — FrontPages.eu, September 18, 2026

FRONTPAGES.EU

What's happening in Europe?

Portugal flag

Portugal

Friday, September 18, 2026

📊 Discontent

New polls indicate a significant decline in the popularity of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and his Democratic Alliance (AD) government, with a majority of Portuguese citizens now expressing a desire for governmental change. The ruling AD coalition is reportedly trailing both the Socialist Party (PS) and Chega in voter preference. In response to public and economic pressures, the government has announced and approved cuts to personal income tax (IRS) rates for lower and middle brackets, alongside new bonuses for pensioners. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has also publicly addressed political pressures, drawing parallels to challenges faced by past leaders. Other new developments include concerns over a reform in ambulance crew training that has left firefighter training uncontrolled, and a judge's demand for explanations regarding alleged illegal wiretaps in the 'Football Leaks' investigation. On a positive note, social support initiatives are proving effective in reducing dropout rates in private higher education.

Top Stories

Recent polls show a significant drop in Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's approval ratings, with a majority of the population wanting a change in government. The ruling Democratic Alliance (AD) coalition is now reportedly behind the Socialist Party (PS) and Chega in voter preference. André Ventura, Leader of the Opposition and President of Chega, and Carneiro are in a close race for leadership, separated by tenths of a percentage point.

Observador: Montenegro's Polls Plummet, Entering "No Man's Land"

An analysis of over 1000 polls from 1979 to 2026 indicates that Prime Minister Montenegro's decline in popularity is significant, surpassed only by former leaders, suggesting the PSD party is in a precarious position.

Diário de Notícias: Poll: Majority wants government change, AD trails PS and Chega

A new poll by DN/Aximage suggests that the majority of Portuguese citizens desire a change in government, with the AD party falling behind both the PS and Chega in voter preference.

Observador: Montenegro Evokes Socrates to Defy Pressure

Facing increased political pressure, Prime Minister Montenegro references the past challenges faced by former Prime Minister Sócrates, signaling a determination to overcome current difficulties.

Diário de Notícias: Poll: Ventura and Carneiro separated by tenths in leadership race

Another segment of the DN/Aximage poll shows a very close contest for leadership between Ventura and Carneiro, with only tenths of a percentage point separating them.

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's government has announced and approved cuts to IRS (personal income tax) rates for income brackets up to the sixth level, ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 percentage points. Additionally, the government has approved bonuses of 100 to 200 euros for pensions up to 1611 euros. These measures aim to provide financial relief, with simulations showing annual savings for average earners and families.

Público: IRS Rates Cut for Lower Brackets

IRS tax rates will be reduced by 0.3 to 0.5 percentage points for income brackets up to the sixth level, according to government plans.

Diário de Notícias: Montenegro proposes IRS cuts and pension bonuses, rejects past 'tragedies'

Prime Minister Montenegro is set to announce tax cuts on IRS (personal income tax) and bonuses for pensions, while also stating his refusal to repeat past governmental 'tragedies'.

Observador: Average Salary of €1,500 'Saves' €65 Annually

Calculations show that an individual earning a gross monthly salary of €1,500 will save €65 in taxes over the course of a year, with simulations provided for different scenarios.

Diário de Notícias: Couple with two children saves 116-343 euros annually. Consult simulator with…

A family with two children can save between 116 and 343 euros per year due to new IRS tax rates. A simulator is available to help calculate these savings.

Público: Government Approves Pension Bonuses

A bonus of 100 to 200 euros will be given to pensions up to 1611 euros as part of a government initiative.

A recent reform of the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) has resulted in the institute no longer auditing ambulance crew training. This change means that firefighter training now constitutes the majority of emergency response training, raising questions about oversight and standards.

Público: Ambulance Training Reform Leaves Firefighter Training Uncontrolled

A reform of the INEM (National Institute of Medical Emergency) has led to the institute no longer auditing ambulance crew training, with firefighter training now forming the bulk of emergency response.

A judge has formally requested that the Judicial Police (PJ) provide an explanation in court regarding whether illegal wiretaps were utilized during the 'Football Leaks' investigation. This development highlights ongoing scrutiny of judicial procedures in high-profile cases.

Público: Judge Demands Explanation for Alleged Illegal Wiretaps in Football Leaks Case

A judge is requesting the Judicial Police (PJ) to explain in court whether illegal wiretaps were used in the Football Leaks investigation.

View Portugal on frontpages.eu

Daily news summaries from Portugal

Part of the frontpages.eu European news digest

frontpages.eu  ·  View Portugal  ·  Unsubscribe

Don't miss what's next. Subscribe to FrontPages.EU:
← Newer Italy: Government pushes key reforms, energy diplomacy — FrontPages.eu, September 18, 2026 Older → Slovakia: Indictment, soaring costs, and a diplomatic visit — FrontPages.eu, September 18, 2026
frontpages.eu
Powered by Buttondown, the easiest way to start and grow your newsletter.