Weber wins war and Bugalho fails election as PPE vice

Portuguese MEP Sebastião Bugalho lost the election for vice-president of the European People's Party group, marking Portugal's first loss of this position in 22 years. Bugalho, who faced internal party conflicts and opposition from EPP president Manfred Weber, accepted personal responsibility for the defeat. His candidacy was complicated by gender quotas and a false email campaign against him, which is under investigation. Despite support from some party members, Bugalho struggled against candidates from Hungary and the Czech Republic, and faced criticism for prioritizing his role as PSD spokesperson over his responsibilities in the EPP. This loss is seen as detrimental for Portugal's representation in the European Parliament.