Government is accused of electoral manipulation by Ventura.
Unfiltered Chatter: Protecting Portugal's borders and identity is of utmost importance, says André Ventura, leader of the right-wing party "Chega." Ventura slammed the PSD for obstructing "Chega" proposals, such as immigrant quota introduction and a referendum, only to parrot those ideas weeks before the elections. Ventura alleged that the government is merely "playing" with the immigration issue, ignoring issues like unverified criminal records of 120,000 immigrants and lack of border control. He advocates for the expulsion of those with unverified criminal records and illegal immigrants, and emphasized the need for a "border policy" to address migration.
Ventura accused the government of selectively addressing immigration now, just before elections. "Chega" had proposed measures to prevent short-term residence visas and regularizing immigration, which the PSD had allegedly rejected. He dismissed the government's plans for voluntary deportations, calling it a joke. The Minister of the Presidency countered Ventura's claims, accusing "Chega" of rejecting coercive expulsion processes.
Behind the Scenes:
Chapter One: "Chega" - The Rise of a Right-Wing Force
Founded in 2019, "Chega" emerged as Portugal's first far-right party, gaining significant electoral support amid anti-establishment and anti-corruption sentiments. The party surged to 50 seats in 2024, ending Portugal's status as a country without a strong radical right presence. "Chega" is part of a hyper-conservative platform that incorporates neoliberal economics, opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, abortion, and "woke" policies.
Chapter Two: Immigration Control - Hitting a Nerve
"Chega" frames immigration as a threat to national identity and security, advocating for stricter border controls and accelerated deportations. Social media, particularly X, is used to amplify immigration and electoral support, although accuracy of claims is often the subject of controversy.
Chapter Three: The 2025 Elections - Shifting Tides
With close to 15% support in polls, "Chega" seeks to solidify its position as the third-largest party in the 2025 snap elections. The party benefits from public disillusionment with traditional parties (PSD and PS) and anti-corruption narratives amid government instability. "Chega" reflects a broader European trend of far-right normalization, adopting neo-fascist elements in its base.
Chapter Four: The Immigration Issue - Who's Really Delivering on Promises?
In contrast to centrist parties, "Chega" rejects Portugal’s post-1974 democratic consensus, seeking to reframe historical narratives (e.g., downplaying the Carnation Revolution’s left-wing legacy). Immigration remains a focal point for mobilizing voters dissatisfied with austerity and elite politics.
On Further Reading: The Controversial and Contentious Journey of Immigration in Portugal - Montenegro's Take
- Despite the government's recent statements on immigration, André Ventura, leader of "Chega," alleges that they have been illegally obstructing "Chega's" proposals, such as immigrant quota introduction and a referendum.
- The general-news outlet, Unfiltered Chatter, reported that Ventura has accused the government of playing with the immigration issue, ignoring issues like unverified criminal records of 120,000 immigrants and lack of border control.
- In politics and policy-and-legislation debates, "Chega" has advocated for a border policy to address migration, emphasizing the need for the expulsion of those with unverified criminal records and illegal immigrants.
- In crime-and-justice discussions, Ventura has dismissed the government's plans for voluntary deportations, calling it a joke, and advocating for stricter measures.
- The Minister of the Presidency, responding to "Chega's" claims, has accused the party of rejecting coercive expulsion processes, creating a heated debate within war-and-conflicts and electioneering circles.
