Socialist Party candidate António José Seguro topped the first round of Portugal’s presidential election with nearly 31%, while far-right contender André Ventura achieved a historic breakthrough with 24%, pushing both into a runoff set for 8 February.

The results mark the strongest showing yet for the far right in the country, reflecting a wider surge in populist movements across Europe.

Analysts predict a fiercely contested second round between two candidates representing sharply contrasting economic and social visions for Portugal’s future.