New Cabinet Takes Office Amidst Parliamentary Challenges in Montenegro

After being appointed by the President of the Republic, Luis Montenegro returned to the Belém Palace to present his chosen team. The meeting with the Head of State was brief but soon after, the list of names was made public. Montenegro selected a team with political weight to navigate the uncertain and unstable days ahead, given the parliamentary challenges he faces.

Two key figures in the Government will be MEP Paulo Rangel, who will be in charge of Foreign Affairs, and Joaquim Miranda Sarmiento, who will serve as the Minister of Finance. Both have held significant positions within the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and will play vital roles in economic management and international relations during these turbulent times. Other members of the Cabinet include Miguel Pinto Luz, who will oversee Infrastructure and Housing, sensitive areas of focus based on current national needs.

Miranda Sarmiento will inherit a favorable budget surplus, allowing the new team to address demands from professional groups seeking salary improvements. The new Government faces the challenge of governing partly through decree due to its parliamentary weakness and must carefully navigate its decisions.

Gender parity is maintained in Montenegro’s cabinet with seven women holding ministerial positions, although this is a decrease from the previous socialist Government. The decision to exclude far-right party Chega has strained relations as Chega’s leader André Ventura has challenged Montenegro’s leadership.

As Montenegro’s Government prepares to take office, it faces immense pressure to deliver on key issues such as salary improvements and public spending while navigating a complex political landscape during European and Madeira elections.