André Ventura, the leader of Portugal’s far-right Chega party, has been hospitalised for the second time in two days after collapsing during a campaign rally, just three days before the country’s third snap election since 2022.
The 42-year-old politician fell ill during a rally in the southern town of Odemira on Thursday. Videos circulating online show Ventura clutching his chest and loosening his tie before collapsing into the arms of aides, who quickly carried him away. He was first taken to a local clinic and later transferred to a hospital in Setúbal, near Lisbon, for further medical attention.
This latest incident follows a similar collapse on Tuesday, after which Ventura was discharged from a hospital in Faro. Doctors at the time diagnosed him with an oesophageal spasm triggered by gastric reflux and high blood pressure.
Speaking to CNN Portugal, Chega MP Marta Silva confirmed that an electrocardiogram conducted in the ambulance after Thursday’s collapse indicated no cardiac issues. “It was likely another spasm,” she said, seeking to downplay concerns about Ventura’s health.
Ventura later reassured supporters by posting a photo from his hospital bed, flashing a thumbs-up. “This is a setback and a difficulty,” he wrote on X. “It won’t bring us down. Keep going … keep going!!! Portugal is much more important, it is this country that moves us.”
Despite the health scares, Chega is projected to maintain its position as Portugal’s third-largest political force in Sunday’s election, trailing behind the centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD) and the centre-left Socialist Party (PS). Polls show AD at 33 per cent, PS at 26 per cent, and Chega at 17 per cent.
Ventura’s combative, anti-establishment rhetoric has helped propel Chega into national prominence, largely on a platform that mixes populism, harsh anti-immigration stances, and promises to clean up corruption. However, his bid for government influence continues to face roadblocks, particularly from Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, who has consistently ruled out forming any alliance with the far-right party.
Chega’s rise has been marred by scandal in recent months. In January, an MP was expelled from the party over allegations of stealing suitcases at airports. That same month, another member was caught drink-driving, while a third faces charges for soliciting oral sex from a 15-year-old boy.
As the nation prepares to head to the polls, questions loom not only over Ventura’s health but also over the long-term direction and stability of the party he leads.
