André Ventura out of electoral campaign after second health scare
Ventura had returned to the campaign trail that morning after being discharged from Faro Hospital on Wednesday, where he was treated for an esophageal spasm.
Chega has announced that its leader, André Ventura, will not return to the electoral campaign.
“We inform you that, given the current situation and the latest medical information, the president of Chega will no longer take part in the campaign and will return home as soon as he is discharged from Setúbal hospital,” the party said in a statement.
As a result, the party leader will miss the final two campaign events scheduled for this Friday: one at the Livramento Market in Setúbal and the traditional walk down Chiado.
Chega party leader André Ventura was hospitalized on Thursday for a second time in less than 48 hours after falling ill during a campaign walkabout in Odemira.
He was transferred by ambulance to São Bernardo Hospital in Setúbal, where he underwent a cardiac catheterization to rule out coronary artery disease.
Ventura had returned to the campaign trail that morning after being discharged from Faro Hospital on Wednesday, where he was treated for an esophageal spasm caused by acid reflux and a spike in blood pressure.
He was discharged last night from São Bernardo Hospital in Setúbal, where he spoke briefly to journalists upon leaving.
"I'm feeling better. We were able to run a series of tests that really reassured me regarding the cardiac side of things. The doctors advised me to take medication and to rest for a while. I'll need to undergo further tests later. Unfortunately, as much as I’d like to continue, I really do have to stop," he said.
He then confirmed the diagnosis previously mentioned after his first health episode on Tuesday: "All the tests suggest it was an esophageal spasm with acute characteristics, so now I need to undergo treatment."
First scare
That episode occurred Tuesday night during a campaign dinner in Tavira.
However, during Thursday’s campaign event in Odemira, Ventura once again experienced chest pain.
Images circulating on social media show the Chega leader clutching his chest and being helped into a vehicle by security staff.
A few minutes later, a medical emergency team arrived and conducted an initial electrocardiogram, which reportedly showed no signs of a heart attack.
He was first taken to the local health center in Odemira and then to Santiago do Cacém Hospital, where further tests were carried out.
Transferred to Setúbal
The hospital’s Emergency Services Director, Dr. Armindo Ribeiro, confirmed that while initial diagnostics ruled out an acute myocardial infarction, Ventura was transferred to Setúbal for a catheterization - a more detailed exam that can detect coronary lesions.
The Santiago do Cacém facility does not have cardiology services equipped to perform the procedure.
“There is always the possibility that preliminary tests appear normal, and yet a catheterization is still necessary,” Dr. Ribeiro told reporters.
“This was his second episode of chest pain, so we followed standard procedures to rule out heart disease before considering other causes.”
He emphasized that Ventura was treated like any other patient.
Upon arrival at São Bernardo Hospital at 5:35 p.m., Ventura entered through the “green coronary pathway”—a fast-track emergency protocol activated when cardiac issues are suspected.
In a social media post from a hospital stretcher, Ventura shared a defiant message:
“It’s a setback and a difficulty. But it won’t bring us down. Keep going... keep going!!! Portugal is far more important—that’s what drives us."
The Chega leader’s participation in Friday’s campaign events remains uncertain and will depend on the results of the catheterization. Dr. Ribeiro said Ventura may be kept under observation for up to 24 hours.
Reactions
The incident has prompted concern from across the political spectrum. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa wished Ventura a swift recovery, advising the candidate to be cautious: “Campaigns come with fatigue, stress, and heat. He should take precautions and not rush back onto the road.”
AD coalition leader Luís Montenegro also attempted to reach Ventura on Thursday morning.
Unable to make direct contact, he conveyed his well-wishes through Chega deputy Pedro Pinto, expressing hopes for a speedy recovery on behalf of the AD.
Chega had planned to campaign in Pegões, Setúbal, on Thursday morning, but the event was canceled following Ventura's renewed health scare.
Incident on Wednesday
André Ventura was discharged from Faro Hospital at 9:44 a.m. on Wednesday, roughly eleven hours after being admitted on Tuesday night following a health scare during a campaign dinner rally in Tavira, in the Algarve region.
Ventura, 42, was speaking to supporters when he suddenly showed signs of distress, grimacing and clutching his chest before being helped off stage by security.
He was treated on site and transported by ambulance to Faro Hospital, where he spent the night under observation.
Hospital officials later confirmed that Ventura had experienced a spike in blood pressure but was no longer showing symptoms.
Tiago Botelho, chairman of the hospital’s board, told reporters that the episode had been a “scare” and that Ventura was “stable” and cleared for discharge, with only recommendations for rest and monitoring.
“I’ve just seen André Ventura. Everything is fine. It was a scare, nothing serious. He has no symptoms and will be discharged soon,” said Tiago Botelho, head of the local health unit, shortly before Ventura left the hospital at 9:44 a.m.
JN learned from a hospital source that Ventura suffered an esophageal spasm caused by drinking cold water.