The Monocle Daily Portugal’s political jigsaw
May 29, 2025
William Patey, a seasoned diplomat and political consultant, joins Rachel Cunliffe, Senior Associate Editor of The New Statesman, to dissect Portugal's political landscape. They discuss the rise of the far-right Chega party and its ramifications for traditional politics in Europe. The conversation also dives into the humanitarian crisis in Sudan amidst ongoing civil unrest and highlights the backlash against Harvard's treatment of pro-Palestinian protests, reflecting on its impact on global education.
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Portugal's Far-Right Surge
- The far-right Chega party rapidly rose in Portugal due to public dissatisfaction with traditional parties.
- Chega's surge reflects a broader European trend of populist breakthroughs amid crises like housing and immigration.
Risks of Populist Instability
- Governing without a majority amid rising populism risks instability and loss of public trust.
- Populists exploit grievances but often fail to deliver solutions, leading to a battle for public allegiance.
Populist Parties Face Governance Reality
- UK Labour now sees Reform Party as main opposition despite fewer MPs.
- Populist parties struggle answering practical governance questions once in power, exposing their limitations.