Portugal's parliament defeats Chega censure motion following Socialist abstention

Portugal's parliament has concluded debate on a motion of censure submitted by the far-right Chega party against the governing minority cabinet over recent controversies involving cabinet leadership.

The motion was defeated as expected after the main opposition Socialist Party abstained, guaranteeing the proposal lacked the necessary votes to pass. During the final speeches of the three-hour session, Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro criticized Chega for introducing a measure bound to fail, asserting that voters would render a "political judgment" on the party's decision. Leitão Amaro also criticized the Socialists for refusing to vote directly against the motion, while reiterating that the executive will continue negotiating legislation on an ad-hoc basis without relying on a preferred parliamentary partner.

Sources: Diário de Notícias (DN), Expresso, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)