New Portuguese Prime Minister Unveils Cabinet Amidst Political Challenges: Gender Parity, Far-Right Exclusion and Key Focus on Infrastructure and Finance.

The newly appointed Prime Minister of Portugal, Luis Montenegro, presented his cabinet at the Belém Palace a week after being asked by the President to form a government. The meeting with the Head of State was brief but soon after, the list of names was made public. Montenegro selected a team with political clout to steer the uncertain and volatile days ahead, given the parliamentary challenges he faces.

Two key figures in the government will be MEP Paulo Rangel, who will be in charge of Foreign Affairs, and Joaquim Miranda Sarmiento, who will serve as the Minister of Finance. Both have held significant positions within the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and will play crucial roles in economic management and international relations during these turbulent times. Other members of the cabinet include Miguel Pinto Luz, who will oversee Infrastructure and Housing, sensitive areas of focus based on current national needs.

Miranda Sarmiento inherits a favorable budget surplus, allowing the new team to address demands from professional groups seeking salary improvements. The new government faces challenges such as governing partly through decree due to its parliamentary weakness and must carefully navigate its decisions. The appointment of Nuno Melo to Defense represents a step towards solidifying alliances within the coalition that led Montenegro to victory in elections. With seven women holding ministerial positions, gender parity is maintained albeit with a decrease from the previous socialist Government. Montenegro’s decision to exclude far-right party Chega has strained relations as Chega’s leader has challenged Montenegro’s leadership.

As Montenegro’s Government prepares for office, pressure intensifies on delivering key issues such as salary improvements and public spending while navigating complex political landscape tests such as European and Madeira elections.