It is the latest possible date allowed by law
The Portuguese government has finally set the date for the local elections: Sunday, October 12, the latest possible day allowed by law. The decision was made this Thursday during a Council of Ministers meeting, according to Expresso.
The choice reflects preferences voiced by parliamentary parties in recent talks with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s government, the newspaper says.
The election date also creates an intense overlap on the political calendar. The final week of campaigning will fall right in the middle of a major national moment: the deadline for submitting the 2026 State Budget, which closes on October 10.
In other words, political parties will be forced to juggle campaign trail duties with high-stakes budget negotiations.
