Portugal Chooses Moderate Left in Presidential Runoff, Defeating Ventura

Moderate Socialist António José Seguro won Portugal’s presidential runoff in a landslide with about 64% of the vote (exit polls), defeating far-right challenger André Ventura as turnout remained steady despite recent storms and a few municipal voting delays. The presidency is largely ceremonial but can veto legislation and dissolve parliament; Ventura’s stronger-than-expected showing signals the growing influence of the far right, while Seguro positions himself as a modern, cooperative left figure who could work with the centre-right government ahead of the transition.