Portugal’s Populist André Ventura Aims for Election Breakthrough
Bringing Change to Portuguese Politics
Tempting as the tables of savoury pastries were, and strong as the voice of the shaven-headed singer belting out Phil Collins was, they were not the lure that had drawn 200 people to a remote wedding venue in northern Portugal on a cold and ink-black Wednesday evening.
Despite the sign at the opposite end of the hall reading “Let’s get this party started”, the audience’s attention was more focused on a huge campaign poster behind the singer that offered a less hedonistic exhortation: “Portugal needs a CLEAN-UP.”
At the side of the stage, ringed by colleagues, admirers, and a skittish security team was the man wielding the political mop.
André Ventura, the former football pundit who founded the far-right Chega party five years ago, is the obvious choice for many disgruntled Portuguese voters as the country prepares to head to the polls in Sunday’s snap general election. Ventura’s Chega party is hoping to leverage the discontent with the mainstream political parties for a breakthrough in the election.
A Tidal Wave of Discontent
Polls suggest that although Chega is set to finish third in the election, it could capture 15% to 20% of the vote, positioning it as a potential kingmaker for a new right-wing administration. The party’s popularity is a reflection of the growing disillusionment with the current bipartisan system that has failed to address issues like corruption, housing crisis, stressed public services, and low wages.
Ventura’s supporters see him as a champion against corruption and someone who calls things as he sees them, emerging as the voice of the electorate that is tired of the business-as-usual approach.
An Unconventional Politician
Ventura is a former football pundit who switched to politics, and his appeal lies in his frank and outspoken nature. In his speeches, he takes on a variety of issues, ranging from road tolls and political cronyism to challenging the bipartisan system altogether. He is known for his strong rhetoric, using the phrase “Chega!” (“Enough!”) as a battle cry against the status quo.
While some critics warn that Ventura’s populism may drag Portugal back to the past, his pragmatic approach and skill in adapting his message to appeal to different voter groups have given him an edge. This has contributed to Chega’s growth, from 1.3% of the vote in the 2019 elections to 7.2% in 2022.
Expanding Support Base
Chega’s support base is not limited to a specific age group. While the party has traditionally appealed to male voters in their mid-30s to mid-50s, its outreach efforts on social media and campus events have resulted in a surge in popularity among the younger population. Surveys indicate that Chega is now the most favored party among Portuguese people aged 18-34.
A New Landscape in Portuguese Politics?
Although the center-right Democratic Socialist Party and the ruling Socialist Party are expected to finish ahead of Chega in the election, the far-right party’s momentum has not gone unnoticed. While the leader of the PSD categorically ruled out any deal with Chega, the pressure to form a right-wing administration and avoid a continuation of the socialist government may influence the political dynamics.
Regardless of the election outcome, the rise of Chega and André Ventura serves as a signal of the widespread discontent among Portuguese voters and a desire for change in the political landscape.
