Sadokha: Portuguese local elections signal decline in pro-Russian influence

The outcome of Portugal’s local elections on Oct. 12 were seen as encouraging for Ukrainians, as support for pro-Russian communist parties dropped significantly.

Pavlo Sadokha, Vice President of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) for Southern Europe and President of the Union of Ukrainians in Portugal (UUP), said the shift is notable.

“For us, it is important that pro-Putin communists have reduced their influence in Portuguese society. Compared to 2021, when they won 19 local councils, this year they secured only 12,” Sadokha said.

The elections ended with a victory for the ruling coalition. Portugal’s largest cities, Lisbon and Porto, remained under the control of the Social Democratic Party.

Support for the far-right Chega party rose sharply, reaching 11.86 percent nationwide, up from 4.16 percent in the previous elections.

“Although they had hoped for much stronger support, especially after their success in this year’s parliamentary elections,” Sadokha said.

The Socialist Party, which previously controlled most local councils, saw losses this year. 

“Still, the majority of local councils — 126 municipalities, compared with 148 in 2021 — were won by representatives of this party,” added the UWC Vice President.