André Ventura, the head of the Conservative Chega Party, has officially stepped back from the electoral race following his second hospitalization in less than 48 hours—a move that could have significant implications for his party’s strategies and the broader political landscape in Portugal.
This incident, occurring amidst a heated electoral contest, raises questions not only about Ventura’s health but also about the incendiary nature of his rhetoric and the increasing prominence of far-right ideologies in Portugal.
On May 13, 2025, during a rally in Tavira, Algarve, Ventura experienced a collapse, visibly distressed as he clutched his chest and throat. He was swiftly transported to Faro Hospital.
The initial medical assessment indicated a hypertension episode coupled with gastroesophageal reflux, according to Chega’s parliamentary leader, Pedro Pinto.
A Struggle to Regain Momentum
After being discharged on May 14, Ventura attempted a comeback on May 15 in Odemira. However, during a campaign walk, he faltered again, clutching his chest and collapsing into the arms of his aides.
He was promptly moved to the Hospital do Litoral Alentejano and subsequently to Setúbal Hospital, where doctors performed a catheterization and diagnosed him with an “acute esophageal spasm,” effectively ruling out any cardiac problems.
Formal Withdrawal from the Campaign
On May 15, Chega made the announcement that Ventura would cease participating in the campaign’s final stretch, putting his health first. The party remarked, “Our president will return home after being discharged.”
In a twist, Ventura made a surprising appearance at a closing rally in Lisbon on May 16, visibly emotional. “These were difficult days, but here I am,” he expressed.
Political Landscape: Chega’s Ascendancy
Since its inception in 2019, Chega has altered the Portuguese political dynamic, previously dominated by the traditional Socialist Party (PS) and Social Democratic Party (PSD). In the 2024 elections, Chega captured 50 seats and 18% of the votes, positioning itself as the third-largest force in parliament.
The party’s anti-immigration, anti-corruption, and anti-establishment rhetoric has resonated with a populace frustrated by the status quo.
Campaign Controversies
Ventura’s campaign has been riddled with controversy, particularly due to his contentious exchanges with Roma communities, which have drawn significant backlash. Following his initial hospitalization, he exacerbated tensions by justifying his private room in the hospital with the remark: “Did you want the gypsies to kill me in a hallway?” Such statements have been widely denounced as racist by both the media and opposition parties.
In a rare instance of empathy, Acting Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa both extended wishes for Ventura’s swift recovery, although Rebelo de Sousa cautioned against a hasty return to campaigning.
Ventura’s collapse highlights not only a personal struggle but also the underlying societal tensions in a fragmented Portugal. While Chega has successfully tapped into public dissatisfaction with political elites, its reliance on a singular, often controversial figure exposes inherent vulnerabilities. The left, often criticized for its complacency, has yet to present a compelling alternative to counter the far-right’s growing influence.
The upcoming elections will not merely decide the next government; they will also test Portugal’s resilience against the polarization threatening its democratic fabric. Ventura’s health—both in a literal and metaphorical sense—will serve as a litmus test for this critical juncture.
