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In a dramatic demonstration of the changing complexion of Portuguese politics, support for the populist party Chega surged once again. It collected at least 58 seats, up from 50 seats last year, and is challenging the center-left socialists as Portugal’s second-biggest party.Chega competed in its first election just six years ago, when it won one seat, and has fed off disaffection with the more moderate traditional parties. Campaigning under the slogan “Save Portugal,” it describes itself as a nationalist party and has drawn on the popularity of its leader, lawyer and former soccer pundit Andre Ventura.

“This is my moment,” Ventura said. “It’s a great victory for Chega.”He opened the door to an understanding with the Democratic Alliance, saying the country needs stability.For the past 50 years, the Social Democrats and the Socialist Party have alternated in power.

The socialists were contemplating possibly their worst result since 1987, also gaining 58 seats. Socialist leader Pedro Nuno Santos announced he was standing down.The Democratic Alliance, which also includes the smaller Popular Party,

in parliament in March after less than a year in power, as opposition lawmakers teamed up against it. That triggered an early election, which had been due in 2028.

The confidence vote was sparked by a political storm around potential conflicts of interest in the business dealings of Social Democratic Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s family law firm. Montenegro has denied any wrongdoing and is standing for reelection.A man looks out from a container restaurant near an art sculpture depicting a sleeping Chinese astronaut in the Songzhuang art district in eastern Beijing, Oct. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Part of 2500 panda sculptures are displayed at the Hong Kong International Airport during a welcome ceremony of the panda-themed exhibition “Panda Go!” in Hong Kong, Dec. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei)Part of 2500 panda sculptures are displayed at the Hong Kong International Airport during a welcome ceremony of the panda-themed exhibition “Panda Go!” in Hong Kong, Dec. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei)

A man wades through flood water following heavy downpours in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia, Nov. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Binsar Bakkara)A man wades through flood water following heavy downpours in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia, Nov. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Binsar Bakkara)