André Ventura, leader of the Chega party, threatened Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro with a motion of no confidence if he does not dismiss Luís Neves from the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The threat was made with a set deadline: Montenegro has until Tuesday to proceed with the dismissal of Neves, or Ventura will proceed with the motion of no confidence in parliament.
The situation represents a potential new chapter of political instability in Portugal, with the Chega leader exerting direct pressure on the government through one of the most severe tools available to the opposition.
Luís Montenegro thus faces a dilemma between yielding to Chega's demand or risking a political crisis that could call into question the stability of the executive.
