Jacobin Radio Long Reads: Portugal’s Left in Retreat w/ Catarina Príncipe (Part 2)
Oct 2, 2025
Catarina Príncipe, a contributing editor at Jacobin and member of the Left Bloc, delves into Portugal's shifting political landscape since 2022. She highlights the alarming rise of the far-right Chega Party, which became the second-largest force in parliament through a coalition of voter mobilization. Príncipe discusses judicial polarization affecting left activists, the roots of Portugal's housing crisis, and the radical left's substantial decline. She argues for a strategic reorientation around housing and migration to reinvigorate leftist movements.
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Scandal Without Evidence Shook Politics
- The 2022 prosecutor warnings created a political crisis despite weak evidence against Costa.
- Catarina Príncipe argues the episode functioned like a small-scale coup that destabilized the Socialist leadership.
Judiciary Shifting Toward The Right
- Portugal's judiciary is shifting right, with more openly partisan judges in powerful posts.
- Príncipe says prosecution of left-wing activists has increased, aligning with the far-right's rise.
Owner Culture And A 2% Public Housing Park
- Portugal has only about 2% public housing, creating owner-dominated housing policy and huge rental pressures.
- Tourism, golden visas, and foreign investment amplified displacement and affordability crises in Lisbon.
