Portugal to Expel 18,000 Undocumented Foreigners Ahead of National Election

LISBON, Portugal (AP), Portugal’s caretaker government has announced plans to expel around 18,000 foreigners living in the country without legal authorization, just weeks before a national election set for May 18.

Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro said Saturday that the government will begin issuing departure notices next week, starting with 4,500 individuals who will be asked to leave voluntarily within 20 days. The move comes as the center-right Social Democratic Party, which leads the minority government, tries to shore up support ahead of the snap election.

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro called the early vote in March after his government lost a parliamentary confidence vote.

Portugal’s decision comes amid a broader rise in populist politics across Europe. The far-right Chega party, known for its anti-immigration stance, surged to third place in last year’s election and continues to gain momentum.