Portuguese government survives censure motion as Socialists abstain

Portugal's parliament has defeated a motion of censure against the minority coalition government brought by the far-right Chega party. The motion failed after lawmakers from the main opposition Socialist Party (PS) abstained from voting following a three-hour parliamentary debate.

Chega submitted the initiative over controversies surrounding the internal administration minister. During the debate, cabinet officials criticized Chega for introducing a measure bound to fail while targeting PS for its abstention. Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro stated that the public would make a "political judgment" regarding Chega's actions.

Despite the political tension, government representatives reaffirmed that the executive has no preferred partner in parliament and will continue negotiating legislation on a case-by-case basis.

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