The two main political powers in Portugal, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the Socialist Party (PS), agreed to split the presidency of the Assembly of the Republic. Each party will get two years, starting with the Social Democratic Party, which won the most votes in the election.
After three inconclusive votings, the leaders of the two political parties met to try and reach an agreement. After a long meeting, they had one. Split the mandate into two parts, one for each party.
The Socialist Party endorsed the run of the member of the Social Democratic Party (José Pedro Aguiar Branco), which will rule until 2026, and, in turn, the Social Democratic Party will endorse the member of the Socialist Party when the time comes.
When asked about this agreement, many political figures mentioned the context and the importance of surpassing the current deadlock. Notwithstanding, the leader of the right-wing political party CHEGA claimed that the ‘choice at the left was made’, by the Social Democratic Party, and that he would gladly lead the Opposition.
The Liberal Initiative, on the other hand, stated that the two political parties were tricked into making this decision by CHEGA, and that it will not be obliged to vote in favor of a candidate it does not like.
Regardless of any opinion, the deadlock was overcome and the necessary steps for the Parliament to work again are being taken. The Assembly of the Republic cannot function without an active presidency, and the agreement between the two political powers allowed one to exist.
