LISBON, March 2, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro on Saturday refused to rule out seeking a vote of confidence and denied any wrongdoing in a conflict of interest row involving a family company.

The conservative leader, who only came to power last year, challenged the heavily fractured parliament to "say unambiguously" if it believed his minority government could continue.

"Without this response, the political clarification" would only be possible "by a vote of confidence", he said in an address to the nation following an emergency cabinet meeting.

Montenegro added he would not cling to his post "whatever the cost".

Earlier this week, Portuguese media reported alleged links between a company run by Montenegro's wife and children and the Solverde casino and hotel group.

The family company had a contract worth 4,500 euros ($4,680) per month after July 2021 to provide Solverde with personal data handling services.

"I have committed no crime and I have never fallen short of ethical standards," Montenegro said, denying he had "ceded to an individual interest against the public interest".

The family business would now be "totally held and run by my children", he added.

Far-right Chega, the third-largest force in parliament, said it was "impossible to allow the continuation of a government over which hangs such a degree of suspicion".

Small far-left formations expressed their lack of confidence in the government, the Communists saying they would submit a motion of no confidence.

The main opposition Socialist party ruled out backing the Communists' motion, but secretary general Pedro Nuno Santos said it wanted "clarifications that are due to all Portuguese".

Montenegro warned his opponents that a "political crisis must be avoided", citing positive economic data under his leadership.