André Ventura: Opposition Leader, Member of Parliament and His Views on Immigration
André Ventura is a Portuguese politician, leader of the Chega party, a Member of the Portuguese Parliament, and the country’s main opposition leader. He is one of the most influential and controversial political figures in Portugal today.
Early Life and Background
André Ventura was born in 1983 in Algueirão-Mem Martins, Portugal. He studied Law, became a lawyer, and later worked as a university lecturer. He also became known to the public as a football commentator on television before entering full-time politics.
Political Career
Ventura began his political career in the Social Democratic Party (PSD). In 2019, he founded the Chega party, which quickly gained support and seats in Parliament.
Today, he serves as:Member of Parliament.Leader of Chega.Strong opposition leader, openly challenging the government.As opposition leader, his role is to criticize government policies, question decisions, and represent voters who want political change.
In the 2026 Portuguese presidential election, André Ventura played a central role as one of the main candidates. The election attracted strong public attention due to the clear contrast between political styles and visions for Portugal’s future.
First Round of the Election
The first round of the presidential election took place on 18 January 2026. André Ventura finished among the top candidates, securing enough votes to advance to the second round. This result confirmed his position as a major political force beyond Parliament.
His strong performance reflected the growing support for the Chega party and his role as leader of the opposition.
Second Round (Runoff)
Because no candidate won an absolute majority in the first round, a second round was scheduled. André Ventura faced António José Seguro, a former leader of the Socialist Party.
The runoff highlighted two very different political approaches:Ventura presented himself as a candidate for strong change and confrontation with the political system.His opponent emphasized institutional stability and moderation.
Views on Immigration
Immigration is one of the main topics in André Ventura’s political message.
He argues that Portugal should:
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Apply stricter immigration rules
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Strengthen control over illegal immigration
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Ensure immigrants follow Portuguese laws
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Better regulate immigration to protect public services
Ventura says immigration should be controlled and regulated, not uncontrolled.
Public Debate and Criticism
His views on immigration are highly controversial.
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Supporters say he speaks openly about problems that others avoid, such as pressure on housing, healthcare, and social support.
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Critics argue that his language can divide society and unfairly target immigrants, many of whom work legally, pay taxes, and contribute to Portugal’s economy.
Immigration remains a sensitive topic in Portugal, and Ventura’s statements have pushed it to the center of national debate.
Role in Portuguese Politics
As a strong opposition leader, André Ventura uses direct and emotional language. This makes him popular with some voters and strongly rejected by others. Regardless of opinion, he has changed how political topics like immigration are discussed in Portugal.
André Ventura is a central figure in modern Portuguese politics. As a Member of Parliament, opposition leader, and presidential candidate, he has played a major role in shaping debate on immigration, governance, and political accountability.
