André Ventura, president of the Chega party, has accused the Socialist Party and the Social Democratic Party of maintaining a non-aggression pact to block his proposal for a VAT reduction on fuel. Ventura argued that the measure is fiscally sustainable and necessary to combat the rising cost of living, while critics have questioned the proposal's broad impact.
Chega leader accuses PS and PSD of non-aggression pact
Tuesday, 22 September 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.
4 sources
- André Ventura was asked about a Chega proposal that also benefits those who drive Ferraris. This was his responsecnnportugal.iol.pt ·
- Ventura accuses PSD and PS of a 'non-aggression pact'observador.pt ·
- Ventura insists on VAT reduction on fuel and ensures it is a 'temporary and manageable expense' in the State Budgetdn.pt ·
- VAT on fuels. Ventura accuses PS and PSD of a "non-aggression pact"rtp.pt ·
