Former Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho recently attacked mainstream politicians, comparing those who avoid taking firm stances to characterless individuals. André Ventura, the leader of the Chega party, attended the event where the two figures discussed the current political climate and immigration policies.
Pedro Passos Coelho criticizes mainstream politicians
Tuesday, 26 May 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
Pedro Passos Coelho is a Portuguese politician who served as Prime Minister from 2011 to 2015 and led the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD). His choice to stay silent during the presidential run-off matters because, as a former PM and centre‑right leader, his endorsements or comments could influence PSD voters ahead of the 8 February vote.
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.
4 sources
- Passos attacks "artificial politicians who act like prostitutes"observador.pt ·
- Passos Coelho attacks "prostitute politicians"publico.pt ·
- "I don't get it and I can't understand it": Miguel Pinheiro confused by Passos Coelho's statements and "attraction to defeat"cnnportugal.iol.pt ·
- Passos criticises fake politicians who are like "characterless prostitutes"rtp.pt ·
