André Ventura, leader of the Chega party, claims to have a “negotiating guarantee” with the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD) regarding the appointment of new judges to the Constitutional Court (Tribunal Constitucional). Ventura also expressed confidence in the rapid approval of a new “return law” (lei do retorno) concerning immigration. However, the Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS) has downplayed these claims, stating they are only negotiating directly with the PSD. Those following Portuguese politics should note the ongoing tension between the three largest parties over institutional control.
Chega leader claims agreement on Constitutional Court judge appointments
Tuesday, 24 March 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
André Ventura, born January 15, 1983, is a lawyer, academic, and Portugal's most prominent far-right leader. He founded Chega ("Enough") in 2019 after his PSD mayoral campaign attacked the Romani community. Chega surged from 1.3% in 2019 to 22.8% in May 2025, becoming parliament's second-largest party and making Ventura Leader of the Opposition.
His platform emphasizes immigration restrictions, law-and-order policies, constitutional reform, and contains inflammatory anti-Romani rhetoric that has triggered multiple discrimination convictions and investigations. Politically classified as far-right by international media, Ventura cultivates alliances with European far-right figures including Marine Le Pen and Santiago Abascal.
He announced his 2026 presidential candidacy, polling at 18% alongside independent Admiral Gouveia e Melo. His rise ended Portugal's 50-year resistance to far-right parties.
The Constitutional Court (Tribunal Constitucional) is Portugal's highest court for constitutional review, responsible for checking whether laws and statutes comply with the Constitution and for annulling or suspending unconstitutional measures. FNAM's push for a review matters because the court can strike down or block parts of the regional emergency services statute, directly affecting how emergency care is regulated.
Sources (8)
- PS downplays Ventura's announcements regarding Constitutional Court judges and maintains dialogue: "Our interlocution is with the PSD"RTP Notícias · 6:14pm, 24 Mar 2026
- Ventura confident in rapid approval of return lawObservador · 4:55pm, 24 Mar 2026
- PS presents Mobility Subsidy proposal that has 'guaranteed approval'Correio da Manhã · 6:46pm, 24 Mar 2026
- It is important to know if the names nominated by Chega align with the party's project to subvert the ConstitutionCNN Portugal · 6:11pm, 24 Mar 2026
- Ventura claims to have agreement guarantee for Constitutional Court and sees conditions to approve return lawPúblico · 4:19pm, 24 Mar 2026
- PS leaders pressure Carneiro to abandon the reactive policy of 'maybes' and 'ifs' and 'shake off the image of a partner' to the GovernmentExpresso · 3:58pm, 24 Mar 2026
- Ventura claims to have "the guarantee" that there will be two names nominated by the PSD and one by Chega for the Constitutional CourtECO · 2:35pm, 24 Mar 2026
- PS 'blockade' and Carneiro's trip to Venezuela under fire from CDSDinheiro Vivo · 2:35pm, 24 Mar 2026
