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Socialist poised to defeat far-right leader in Portugal presidential vote, poll shows
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on February 4, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 4, 2026
Home > Headlines > Socialist poised to defeat far-right leader in Portugal presidential vote, poll shows
Quick Summary
Antonio Jose Seguro, a moderate Socialist, is set to win Portugal's presidential election against far-right leader Andre Ventura, according to polls.
Socialist Candidate Set for Victory Over Far-Right Leader in Portugal
Overview of the Presidential Election
LISBON, Feb 4 (Reuters) - The moderate Socialist candidate is poised for a decisive victory over the populist far-right leader in Sunday's presidential election run-off in Portugal, according to a new poll.
Antonio Jose Seguro, ex-Socialist leader, leads with 67% in voting intentions, versus 33% for the leader of anti-establishment Chega, Andre Ventura, according to the survey by Catolica University pollsters released by broadcaster RTP late Tuesday.
In the five decades since Portugal's Carnation Revolution ended authoritarian rule, a presidential runoff has occurred only once before, in 1986, highlighting political fragmentation and voter frustration with mainstream parties amid the far-right's rise.
Candidates and Their Positions
PRESIDENT CAN MEDIATE IN DIVIDED POLITICAL LANDSCAPE
Portugal's presidency is largely ceremonial, but plays a key role in mediating the country's divided political landscape and holds powers to veto legislation and dismiss the government.
Public Sentiment and Polling Data
Seguro has said he would be a moderate, unifying president, independent of partisan politics, and would not act as a "shadow prime minister", refusing to interfere in the government's day-to-day role.
By contrast, Ventura has warned he would be "an interventionist president", vowing to fight decades of mainstream party corruption and advancing a strong anti-immigration agenda.
He faces criticism for remarks seen as racist towards the Roma community and South Asian immigrants.
Political Context and Implications
Chega, founded less than seven years ago, emerged last May as the main opposition force after winning 22.8% of the vote in a parliamentary election.
Ventura's critics say he is only using the presidential election to further strengthen and expand his party's presence in the country.
The survey, conducted between January 29 and February 2, interviewed 1,601 people and has a margin of error of 2.4%.
(Reporting by Sergio Goncalves; Editing by Alex Richardson)
Key Takeaways
- •Antonio Jose Seguro leads the presidential election poll.
- •Seguro is a moderate, aiming to unify Portugal's political landscape.
- •Andre Ventura represents the far-right Chega party.
- •Portugal's presidency holds ceremonial yet influential roles.
- •The election reflects political fragmentation in Portugal.
Frequently Asked Questions about Socialist poised to defeat far-right leader in Portugal presidential vote, poll shows
1What is the main topic?
The main topic is the presidential election in Portugal, focusing on the competition between Socialist Antonio Jose Seguro and far-right leader Andre Ventura.
2Who are the main candidates?
The main candidates are Antonio Jose Seguro, a moderate Socialist, and Andre Ventura, the leader of the far-right Chega party.
3What is the significance of the election?
The election highlights political fragmentation in Portugal and the rise of far-right politics, with implications for the country's political landscape.
