In Portugal's 2025 local elections, the PSD emerged as the leading political force, winning the most municipal councils and will preside over the National Association of Municipalities, despite losing some key municipalities like Viseu, Braga, Coimbra, and Faro.

The PSD increased its number of municipal chambers compared to 2021, gaining 23 seats against the PS, reflecting a trend of political renewal in various localities.

While traditional parties like PSD and PS continue to dominate, the election results reveal a fragmented political landscape with multiple parties and coalitions competing for control.

The Socialist Party (PS) maintained its resilience, avoiding a disastrous outcome and reaffirming its status as a significant political alternative, with leader José Luís Carneiro emphasizing the party's renewed vitality.

The Communist Party (PCP) experienced a decline, winning fewer mayoralties than in 2021 and losing key district capitals such as Évora and Setúbal, indicating a setback for the party.

The far-right Chega party, initially aiming to win 30 councils, secured victories in only three municipalities—São Vicente, Albufeira, and Entroncamento—and received over 600,000 votes, down from 1.4 million in legislative elections, with leader André Ventura acknowledging they did not meet their objectives.

Despite the setbacks, Chega managed to lead in three municipalities and secured leadership in Albufeira, Entroncamento, and São Vicente, signaling some gains for the far-right in local politics.

The election results suggest a return to a bipolar rivalry primarily between PSD and PS, contrasting with the recent legislative elections where Chega gained more influence, and highlight the ongoing decline of smaller parties like the CDU and Nós Cidadãos.

Voter turnout was approximately 63.65%, with over 4 million registered voters participating, and a significant portion of votes cast for blank and null ballots, reflecting active democratic engagement.

The electoral process involved the allocation of 1,224 mandates, with ongoing counting and seat distribution, and results are still being finalized across various municipalities.

Political analysts and party leaders, including those from PSD and PS, have expressed confidence in their local candidacies and see the results as a positive political signal, despite some setbacks.

The elections also saw independent candidates and smaller parties like JPP, Livre, and Nôs Cidadãos securing a handful of local government positions, indicating a diverse political environment.

Overall, the 2025 local elections in Portugal reflect ongoing shifts in political power, voter preferences, and the resilience of traditional parties amid emerging challenges from new political forces.