Latest news and stories about political shift in Portugal for expats and residents.
Every vote André Ventura receives indicates his true electoral strength; each region where he scores well maps out future strategies.
Historian Jaime Nogueira Pinto says this presidential election is very beneficial for André Ventura and for the Chega party.
“Cavaco and Portas no longer represent right-wing voters, says Ventura.”
Ventura has already reached 1.43 million votes in the parliamentary elections, but in February he could be close to two million.
The change that began within the parties and in the legislative elections has also taken hold in the presidential election, probably irreversibly. The PS and the PSD must do more to remain politically relevant.
Albuquerque backed Mendes; Jardim urged votes for the admiral, as did the CDS Madeira leader and the Economy Minister. All were ultimately defeated by the leader of Chega, who won in the autonomous region. Within the regional PSD there are fears the victory could be repeated in the second round.
Seguro has gathered votes beyond those of the PS and is adding support from the right — from supporters of the AD and IL — which he hopes will translate into votes. Ventura is beginning to gain ground where the AD used to dominate, in the north of the country. Editorial by Marta Moitinho Oliveira
Politico speaks of a “surprise victory” for the centre-left but stresses that André Ventura, by “securing almost a quarter” of the votes, shows “how extraordinary” the growth of Chega in Portugal has been.
Just three months ago he was claiming victory in the local elections, after winning two legislative contests in a year and a half. This Sunday, the PSD candidate chosen by Luís Montenegro lost the Presidency of the Republic — something that hadn't happened in over 20 years. And it was no ordinary defeat.
André Ventura, one of the winners on election night, said on Sunday that the results from the first round of the presidential election show that Chega occupied the non-socialist space in Portugal. The Chega-backed candidate appealed for the right's vote and for all those who do not identify with the PS to vote on the 8th.
Rui Rio believes that 'IL will put enormous pressure on João Cotrim Figueiredo to return to the party's leadership' — and also says that Portugal currently has 'a weak left'.
In response to the initial projections, Pedro Pinto, of Chega, welcomed the defeat of the 'far left' and the prospect of André Ventura advancing to the second round.
