LISBON, Portugal — Portugal will hold an early general election on May 18, the country’s president announced Thursday, two days after a minority government lost a confidence vote in parliament and stood down.

The government, led by the Social Democrats in an alliance with a smaller party, fell amid a controversy that has revolved around potential conflicts of interest in the business dealings of outgoing Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's family law firm.

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebel de Sousa speaks at a press conference after meeting with Czech President Petr Pavel at the Prague Castle in Prague, Czech Republic, February 5, 2025. REUTERS/Eva Korinkova/File Photo LISBON (Reuters) - Portugal will hold an early parliamentary election - its third in just over three years - on May 18,