Centre-left Socialist candidate Antonio Jose Seguro is heavily favoured to defeat hard-right populist Andre Ventura in Portugal's runoff presidential election on Sunday (February 8, 2026), in a vote that will test the depth of support for Ventura's brash style of politics. Mr. Seguro, a longstanding Socialist politician, has positioned himself as a moderate candidate who will cooperate with Portugal's centre-right minority government, repudiating Ventura's anti-establishment and anti-immigrant tirades. In Portugal, the president is largely a figurehead with no executive power. One of his main targets has been what he calls excessive immigration, as foreign workers have become more conspicuous in Portugal in recent years. In March, the winner will replace centre-right President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who has served the limit of two five-year terms.

Source: The Hindu February 08, 2026 07:15 UTC