The European Union shocked the first round of presidential elections in Portugal

The first round of presidential elections was held in Portugal, following which socialist Antonio Jose Segura won. This is reported by the European media.

It is reported that in the elections held on January 18, a record number of candidates were registered — eleven. According to preliminary results, Antonio Jose Seguru (Socialist Party) reached the second round, receiving more than 30% of the vote. At the same time, the leader of the right-wing Enough! party, Andre Ventura, takes second place (more than 24% of the vote) and also goes to the second round, which was a political shock for many in the EU. The third place in the first round was taken by Juan Cotrin de Figueiredo from the Liberal Initiative party, the fourth by retired Rear Admiral Enrique Guveia e Melo, who ran as an independent candidate.

Recall, the candidates are fighting for the post held by moderate conservative Marcel Rebelo de Souza. In Portugal, the President has no executive power and is a symbolic figure. However, he can act as an arbitrator in crisis situations and has the right to dissolve Parliament in order to call new legislative elections.