Ahead of Portugal’s January 24th presidential election, far-right Chega party leader André Ventura has made controversial claims alleging a purposeful effort by former Prime Minister António Costa to influence immigration patterns.Ventura asserts Costa’s policies favored immigration from the Indian subcontinent despite concerns over cultural integration, a charge that has quickly fueled debate [[3]]. The remarks,made during a private event in porto,highlight the increasingly prominent role of immigration in the presidential campaign and come amid ongoing revisions to Portugal’s immigration laws [[1]].
Portuguese far-right leader André Ventura asserted that a former prime minister intentionally steered immigration toward individuals from the Indian subcontinent, even while aware of potential cultural clashes. The comments, made during a dinner with young people in Porto, have ignited debate ahead of the January presidential election.
Ventura, who leads the Chega party, claimed António Costa “didn’t just want more immigration, he wanted the immigration we are seeing now…above all from the Hindustão region.” He further alleged that Costa was aware these immigrants would present challenges to Portuguese culture, and weren’t seeking to integrate but rather to “transform” it.
According to Ventura, this strategy was politically motivated. “The fewer or the more people come to Portugal and believe they have some right over those who are already here, that’s votes on the left and votes for the Socialist Party,” he said.
Ventura characterized those present at the dinner, alongside the young people, as “the warriors of resistance” defending Portuguese culture. He then invoked Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, stating, “Whoever doesn’t feel comfortable next to a crucifix is in the wrong country” and “is not in the country where they should be.”
While he did not explicitly mention his candidacy for the presidency in the January 18 election, Ventura insisted his fight is not rooted in nationalism or racial supremacy. “It has to do with defending what is the supremacy of the country and the nation…the great advantage of being Portuguese,” he stated.
Ventura expressed confidence that history would vindicate his views, warning that Portugal has no future if it continues to experience a surge in immigration. The remarks underscore the growing focus on immigration as a key issue in the upcoming presidential race.
