Portugal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed heartfelt congratulations to Shri Luís Montenegro on his appointment as the Prime Minister of the Portuguese Republic. In a message, PM Modi expressed optimism about fostering deeper ties between India and Portugal under Montenegro’s leadership.
Shri Luís Montenegro’s ascent to the position of Prime Minister follows his party, the PSD, forming the center-right Democratic Alliance in collaboration with the CDS-PP ahead of the 2024 Portuguese legislative election. The Democratic Alliance emerged victorious, securing the most seats in the election, leading to Montenegro’s appointment as Prime Minister by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on March 21, 2024.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on April 2, 2024, at the Ajuda National Palace in Lisbon, where Luís Montenegro officially assumed office, leading the XXIV Constitutional Government of Portugal. Before assuming office, Montenegro reiterated his commitment to governance with a minority government, choosing not to form a coalition with the right-wing populist party Chega. He criticized Chega’s leader, André Ventura, for his xenophobic and populist rhetoric.
PM Modi’s congratulatory message underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to strengthen the longstanding bilateral ties between India and Portugal. As both nations look forward to working together under Montenegro’s leadership, there is optimism for enhanced cooperation and mutual prosperity in various domains.
