Seguro defeats far-right André Ventura amid low 49% turnout due to severe weather, returning Socialists to

Portuguese Socialist António José Seguro has secured victory in Portugal's presidential runoff, claiming around 65% of the vote with over 87% of ballots counted, while far-right Chega leader André Ventura garnered about 35%. The election saw turnout below 49%, hampered by severe weather that disrupted voting in several areas and delayed polls in some locations until the following week. Seguro will replace incumbent President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, returning the Socialist Party to the presidency after 20 years and creating a counterbalance to the centre-right coalition government led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.

In Andorra, the Portuguese community again showed strong support for Ventura, bucking the national result. Out of 7,564 registered voters—including 23 early votes—772 cast ballots at the consulate general over Saturday 7 and Sunday 8. Ventura received 595 votes (77%), up from 69% (340 of 491) in the January 18 first round, while Seguro took 171 (22%). One source reported Ventura with 495 votes (64%), but final consulate figures confirm the higher tally, alongside two blanks and four nulls. Polling stations ran from 8am to 7pm both days, with voters required to show their Cartão de Cidadão.

Saturday opened steadily, with over 60 voters by midday in Altaveu reporting and around 100 by then per Diari d'Andorra, in a calm atmosphere. Susana Pereira, polling station president, described turnout as "quite good" compared to past elections and expected stronger Sunday participation, citing the first round's 491 votes as positive. No incidents were reported.

Voters voiced polarization. A young first-time participant called for "total change" after decades of social democratic and Socialist governance. Another stressed mobilization amid Portugal's challenges: "Portugal is in a bad way." A resident urged breaking with social democracy. Skepticism persisted, with one lamenting that politicians "promise things and then do nothing." On Sunday, Maria Ribeiro, voting with her partner, highlighted civic duty: "Voting is a great responsibility and as citizens we must contribute what we can."