Portuguese government falls, early elections possible

(Patria) - The Portuguese parliament yesterday voted no confidence in the minority centre-right government, bringing it down after only 11 months.

This will likely lead to early elections, the third in just over three years in the country.

Prime Minister Luis Montenegro requested the confidence vote after the opposition questioned his integrity over the business dealings of a consulting firm he founded, which is now run by his sons.

The firm has contracts with private companies. Montenegro denies all accusations.

- The insinuation that I have mixed my business and political activities is completely wrong and even offensive. A repeated lie does not become the truth, but it contaminates the political environment... populism feeds on it - he told parliament before the vote.

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will decide whether to call new elections after consultations in the coming days. He said new elections could be held in mid-May.