Portugal to expel some 18,000 illegal migrants ahead of snap national election
Portugal is preparing to expel approximately 18,000 undocumented migrants ahead of its early general election set for May 18. The caretaker government, led by the centre-right, announced the decision as part of a broader immigration policy review.
4,500 Illegal Migrants to Receive Immediate Notices
Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro confirmed that starting next week, 4,500 migrants will be issued voluntary departure notices. They will have 20 days to leave the country.
The move is being justified as a long-overdue action. Amaro emphasized that Portugal has one of the lowest deportation rates in Europe. He stated that the current deportation system is ineffective and overdue for reform.
Deportation Policy Under Spotlight
Amaro’s remarks have sparked discussion about Portugal’s approach to immigration enforcement. “We are one of the three European nations that deport the fewest migrants who violate the rules,” he said.
The government aims to streamline deportations and make enforcement more effective. This marks a significant shift in Portugal's traditionally more lenient stance on immigration.
Snap Election Sparks Political Tensions
The crackdown comes as the country braces for a snap election. The early vote was triggered after the minority government lost a confidence vote in March.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, who came to power less than a year ago, was forced to step down. His Social Democratic Party-led coalition held only 80 seats in the 230-member legislature.
Opposition parties, led by the centre-left Socialists and the rising far-right Chega party, united to bring down the government. Together, they command 128 seats and voted against Montenegro’s administration.
Conflict of Interest Allegations Weakened Leadership
Montenegro’s fall was accelerated by a scandal involving a family law firm linked to him. The firm allegedly received payments from a company with a major gambling license issued by the government.
To calm political unrest, Montenegro proposed snap elections. But instead of
gaining support, it triggered the government’s downfall.
Political Unrest at a Crucial Time
Portugal is now entering one of its most unstable political periods in decades. This instability comes as the country manages over €22 billion in EU development funds aimed at modernizing its economy.
The current political climate is deeply concerning for analysts. With the rise of far-right populism, Chega’s surge to third place in last year’s election has reshaped the political landscape.
50 Years of Democracy Faces Major Test
Since the 1974 Carnation Revolution ended a long dictatorship, Portugal has enjoyed relative political stability. But the collapse of the Montenegro-led government marks the most significant political crisis in 50 years.
As the election draws near, the fate of undocumented migrants and the country’s political future hang in the balance.
