New Government Unveiled: Montenegro Appoints Political Heavyweights Amid Challenges and Complex Landscape

A week after being instructed by the President of the Republic to form a government, Luís Montenegro returned to the Belém Palace. In a brief hearing with the Head of State, he revealed the names of his chosen team members. The list, which had been kept secret until then, was released shortly after.

Montenegro surrounded himself with a team of political heavyweights in preparation for uncertain and unstable times due to parliamentary weakness. Key positions in the new government have been assigned to prominent figures. MEP Paulo Rangel will handle Foreign Affairs, while Joaquim Miranda Sarmiento will serve as Minister of Finance. Another important figure, Miguel Pinto Luz, will oversee Infrastructure and Housing.

The team faces significant challenges such as TAP’s privatization and housing issues affecting the middle class and youth. Miranda Sarmiento inherits a positive fiscal scenario, with the largest budget surplus in 50 years. This surplus will allow the new team to address demands for salary improvements in various professional groups. Despite pressure from far-right party Chega leader André Ventura, Montenegro excluded Chega from the Government, causing tension between him and Ventura.

Montenegro’s decision to exclude Chega reflects his commitment to governing with the PS. The future Government is expected to navigate a complex political landscape with challenges such as addressing salary demands and managing parliamentary scrutiny. Seven women have been appointed in key ministerial positions by Montenegro, including Maria do Rego as Minister of Education and Science and Ana Cunha as Minister of Health.