Leader of the Opposition (Portugal)

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Leader of the Opposition (Portugal)

The Leader of the Opposition is an unofficial, traditional title given to the leader of the largest political party in the Assembly of the Republic that is not part of the government. It is a ceremonial role and has no fixed term or official salary; the person usually keeps the normal pay of their MP duties.

Historically, this role has mostly been held by leaders from the Socialist Party (PS) or the Social Democratic Party (PSD). There were exceptions from 1983 to 1985 when the Communist Party was the main opposition during a PS/PSD coalition. Since May 2025, Chega became the largest opposition party, and André Ventura has held the role since 3 June 2025. The current government is a minority coalition of PSD and CDS–PP.

Opposition parties include: Chega (CH), Socialist Party (PS), Liberal Initiative (IL), LIVRE (L), Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), Left Bloc (BE), People–Animals–Nature (PAN), and Together for the People (JPP).

The Leader of the Opposition is usually the first to question the Prime Minister in debates, but the role is largely based on custom rather than formal power. Official precedence places the leader eighth in the order of public authority.