Seguro secures landslide victory and 5-year term as Portugal's president

Moderate Socialist Antonio Jose Seguro secured a landslide victory and a five-year term as Portugal's president in a runoff vote. He defeated his right-wing anti-establishment rival Andre Ventura.

Seguro, who received backing from prominent conservatives after the first round amid concerns over what many see as Ventura's populist, authoritarian tendencies, becomes the first Socialist head of state in 20 years. He succeeds Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, a conservative, after two terms in office.

Portugal's presidency is a largely ceremonial role but holds some key powers, including the ability to dissolve parliament and block legislation under certain circumstances.

Seguro has cast himself as the candidate of a "modern and moderate" left who can actively mediate to avert political crises and defend democratic values.