Chega faces backlash over exposure of children’s names

The controversy began last week when leader André Ventura read out in Parliament, without consent, the names of children from a public kindergarten in Lisbon.

André Ventura reading the names of children in Parliament last Friday | Photo via ARTV

Seven parents’ associations from Lisbon schools have issued an open letter condemning what they call “xenophobic statements and the improper exposure of minors” by Chega party MPs André Ventura and Rita Matias.

The controversy began last week when both politicians publicly disclosed, without consent, the names of children from a public kindergarten in Lisbon.

They alleged, without evidence, that immigrant families are given priority access to public education.

In the letter, addressed to Portugal’s President, the Parliament Speaker, political parties, and the Mayor of Lisbon, the associations describe the act as “deeply irresponsible and dangerous,” arguing it violates children’s right to privacy and exposes them to discrimination.

They accuse the MPs of fueling a “narrative of hate” that goes against the Constitution, which protects individuals from the misuse of personal information.

They reject Chega’s claims, citing clear legal criteria in Despacho Normativo nº 10-B/2021, which outline school placement rules with no reference to nationality.

While acknowledging the shortage of preschool places in Lisbon, the associations stress that “discrimination and exclusion are not the solution” and call for increased public investment and partnerships with social institutions.

Legal complaint

The backlash intensified when it emerged that one of the children named by Matias, who is also a Chega candidate for Sintra council, is a 4-year-old not yet enrolled in school.

Her father announced plans to file a legal complaint, citing safety concerns after the child’s name circulated in far-right online groups.

“We never imagined this could happen,” he said, accusing Chega of using children to spread misinformation and incite xenophobia.

Meanwhile, André Ventura defended his actions during a parliamentary debate on immigration and nationality law, claiming the list was “public” and intended to highlight an alleged “cultural and civilizational shift” in Portugal.

He declined to disclose the source of the list and dismissed legal concerns as “ridiculous.” Ventura insisted that by omitting surnames, he did not breach privacy.

However, Rita Matias later admitted the party did not verify the list or check the school involved.

In a prior Instagram video, she had read from the same list and questioned why Portuguese parents struggle to secure school placements.

She dismissed the backlash as politically motivated, attributing it to Chega’s electoral growth.

Matias also rejected suggestions her own surname, Cid, has Muslim origins, insisting it is purely Portuguese.

Reactions

Critics argue the episode violates constitutional protections under Article 26, which guarantees the right to privacy and prohibits abusive use of personal data. Opposition MPs and civil society groups accuse Chega of exploiting children for political gain and spreading xenophobia.

Livre MP Paulo Muacho said his party is considering legal action. “Many people have contacted us, outraged by the instrumentalization of children for political ends,” he said.

Education Minister Fernando Alexandre condemned the incident, calling cultural diversity “a source of richness” and reaffirming the government’s commitment to expanding school capacity and supporting immigrant integration.

Parliament Speaker José Pedro Aguiar-Branco downplayed the controversy, calling it an issue of free speech and saying each MP must take responsibility for their statements in Parliament.