Chega leader in trouble over false claims and shifting opinions
Seemingly superficial, these controversies could nonetheless have a significant impact on far-right Chega's performance in the May 18 election.
It’s been a rough week for André Ventura, leader of far-right Chega, as two controversies sparked criticism and put him on the defensive on the week that the party presented its electoral platform, focusing on immigration and anti-corruption.
First came the debacle over his apartment.
During the debate with Left Bloc coordinator Mariana Mortágua, Ventura repeatedly insisted he lived in a modest 30-square-meter flat, using the claim to contrast his lifestyle with what he portrayed as the opulence of the Left Bloc, which is headquartered in a 19th-century mansion on Lisbon’s Rua da Palma.
“My house is 30 square meters, not a mansion like the Bloc’s,” Ventura declared.
This statement was probably designed as an attempt to appeal to Left Bloc voters, under pressure by the housing crisis.
However, Ventura was later forced to admit on the SIC talk show Júlia the following day that this wasn’t true (this was easily verifiably by journalists, which probably prompted him to reveal the truth first).
Confronted by host Júlia Pinheiro, he acknowledged the apartment is actually 70 square meters.
“I made a mistake yesterday. It really is 70. But it’s just a T1 (one bedroom apartment). The closet is tiny, there’s only a small wardrobe for my clothes,” he explained.
Gated condominium
The Chega leader resides in Metro City, a gated condominium complex in Lisbon’s Parque das Nações neighborhood.
The complex features round-the-clock security, a swimming pool, gardens, a playground, and recreational areas—far from the image of cramped living he presented during the debate.
Real estate listings for the Metro City complex show apartments ranging from 78 to 154 square meters. Even the smallest T0 unit (studio) of 78 m² is on the market for €395,000. A T1 with just 53 m² has a monthly rental price of €1,690.
The Left Bloc quickly responded on social media, sharing a graphic highlighting the discrepancy between Ventura’s statements and reality.
They also used the moment to advocate for one of their key campaign promises: implementing rent caps to address housing affordability.
While the dispute over apartment size may seem trivial, it comes at a sensitive moment in Portuguese politics.
These snap elections were triggered by a separate controversy involving Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s home.
Just last week, the Public Prosecutor’s Office launched a preventive investigation into Pedro Nuno Santos, leader of the Socialist Party, over property purchases in Lisbon and Montemor-o-Novo.
Opinion about the Pope
As that controversy simmered, Ventura walked into another storm, this time over his remarks about the Pope.
Also on Júlia, Pinheiro challenged him over his shifting tone regarding Pope Francis.
Following the Pope’s death, Ventura issued a tribute calling him “an inspiring example of simplicity and proximity.”
But Pinheiro reminded viewers of Ventura’s past sharp criticism of the pontiff, including calling his leadership “a disservice.”
“I imagine you’re saddened,” Pinheiro said, before pressing: “But you’ve fiercely criticized this Pope in the past. Now you praise him. Tell me—are you being disingenuous, or just a hypocrite?”
Ventura, unfazed, stood his ground: “Neither. The problem in Portugal is that we’ve grown used to this idea that within a party or an institution, there can be no freedom of thought. We can be part of the Church and still criticize its leaders.”
The exchange was tense but respectful, and quickly gained traction online, sparking debate about political consistency, authenticity, and Ventura’s credibility.
Connection to Opus Dei
Ventura is a devout Catholic who chose to be baptized at 14, after which he received his First Communion and Confirmation.
He once aspired to the priesthood and enrolled at the Penafirme Seminary, a minor seminary under the Patriarchate of Lisbon, but ultimately left the path of ecclesiastical studies after falling in love.
During that time, he lived in an Opus Dei residence and has said, “I have immense esteem for Opus Dei.” Ventura has reportedly used a cilice and practiced corporal self-punishment as part of his spiritual discipline.
Following the 2022 elections, he made a pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint Josemaría Escrivá in Spain to give thanks for his electoral success.
“I came here to give thanks, beside Saint Josemaría Escrivá, for the results and the mission entrusted to me,” he said.
He also described Madrid’s Almudena Cathedral as a personal sanctuary of prayer and reflection.
Position on immigration
As the headlines swirled, Chega tried to redirect focus with the official launch of its electoral program on Wednesday under the slogan "Salvar Portugal" (‘Save Portugal’).
The platform centers on immigration, anti-corruption, and public safety.
On immigration and crime, Ventura introduced the proposed “Manu Law,” named after a young man recently murdered in Braga.
The law would increase sentences and enforce deportation for immigrants convicted of crimes.
“When you commit a crime here, you’ll go to prison for years or decades, and when your time is up, you won’t stay one second longer in this country,” Ventura declared.
However, the party’s written manifesto appeared to contradict this stance.
Point 117 of the program suggests immediate deportation of criminal offenders without clarifying whether they would serve prison time first. Ventura later clarified that deportation would occur only after serving a sentence in Portugal.
Ventura also criticized the public health system, arguing that it unfairly prioritizes immigrants over Portuguese emigrants.
“Portugal is working backwards,” he said, while denying an obsession with immigration but insisting the country is taking in “unmanageable numbers” of foreigners.
Chega’s anti-corruption platform includes promises of harsher penalties, asset confiscation, and an “eight-year cooling-off period” before public officials can take positions in government-regulated entities.
Ventura accused the ruling PS and opposition AD of being two sides of the same corrupt coin, referencing delays in investigations involving Luís Montenegro.
In economic policy, Chega proposes:
Lowering VAT on housing construction from 23% to 6%.
Reducing corporate tax (IRC) by 2%.
Reintroducing zero VAT on essential food items.
Raising the minimum wage to €1,000 in 2026 and €1,150 by 2029.
Increasing minimum pensions to match the national minimum wage.
Ventura vowed to crack down on squatters and promised no leniency: “The State must evict and imprison squatters.”
As Chega pushes its agenda, Ventura’s tough week has exposed contradictions that may complicate his bid to reshape Portuguese politics.
Thank you for revealing the hypocrisy that underpins André Ventura. It’s a virus that runs rampant among those with authoritarian leanings who lie to draw in pliable and low-information citizens.