Friends of Europe episode on Portugal’s shifting political center

Earlier this month, The Diplomat’s Cabinet joined the Policy Voices podcast by Friends of Europe for a conversation on what the recent elections in Portugal and Romania signal for Europe’s political center.

The episode, titled “Centre Holds in Romania, Portugal – But Will This Be the Last Chance to Prove It Can Govern?”, also saw contributions from former PM of Romania Dacian Ciolos on what the election results reveal about public sentiment, the rise of far-right forces, and the resilience of centrist parties in increasingly polarised societies.

As a guest on the episode, founder Maria Luísa Moreira contributed analysis on Portugal’s March 2025 legislative elections, which saw the Democratic Alliance (AD) win a narrow plurality, while the far-right Chega party surged into second place, tying the Socialist Party (PS). The outcome has reshaped Portugal’s political map and raised urgent questions about how the center can hold in practice, not just in rhetoric.

More info on the Friends of Europe website. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.