Portugal’s minority government has lost a confidence vote in parliament, forcing its resignation and bringing the European Union country’s third general election in three years.

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 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.