Portugal will hold an early parliamentary election - its third in just over three years - on May 18, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said on Thursday, two days after the centre-right minority government lost a parliamentary confidence vote.

LISBON, Portugal — Portugal will hold an early general election on May 18, the country’s president announced Thursday, two days after a minority government lost a confidence vote in parliament and stood down.

Portugal’s Parliament ousted the center-right government in a vote of no confidence on Tuesday, forcing the third national election in little more than three years.

Portugal's centre-right minority government collapsed on Tuesday after losing a vote of confidence, with the country now likely to head into its third early general election in as many years.

Portugal could be headed for its third general election in three years after parliament scheduled a confidence vote next week on the center-right minority government, which has been under pressure for weeks over the business ties of Prime Minister Luis Montenegro.

The government, led by the Social Democrats in an alliance with a smaller party, fell amid a controversy that has revolved around potential conflicts of interest in the business dealings of outgoing Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's family law firm.

Portuguese voters are becoming increasingly frustrated with the country's political elites as another snap election looms - without any signs that it will bring stability. Portugal's centre-right minority government collapsed on Tuesday after Prime Minister Luis Montenegro lost a confidence motion,

Embattled PM Luis Montenegro's government lost a confidence vote on Tuesday, prompting the president to dissolve parliament Portugal's president on Thursday announced a snap legislative vote for May 18 - the third national election in barely three years - after Prime Minister Luis Montenegro resigned over a conflict of interest dispute.