Portuguese far-right leader hospitalized again amid election pressure

André Ventura, the controversial leader of Portugal’s far-right Chega party, was hospitalized for the second time in less than 48 hours after collapsing during a campaign event, just days before the nation heads to the polls for its third snap election in two years.

Ventura, 42, has gained notoriety for his aggressive rhetoric and ultra-nationalist policies, which echo many of the divisive narratives often promoted by Western right-wing movements. His party, Chega, meaning “Enough” in Portuguese, has grown rapidly in recent years, propelled by harsh anti-immigration stances and inflammatory remarks targeting vulnerable communities, particularly the Roma population. These tactics have drawn criticism both domestically and internationally.

The latest health scare occurred at a rally in Odemira, a town in southern Portugal, on Thursday. According to footage circulated on social media, Ventura appeared visibly unwell, clutching his chest and attempting to loosen his tie before collapsing into the arms of aides. Emergency personnel rushed him to a local clinic before he was transferred to a hospital in Setúbal, near Lisbon, where he was reportedly subjected to further medical examinations.

Just two days earlier, Ventura had suffered a similar collapse during another campaign appearance. He had been treated at a hospital in Faro and discharged after being diagnosed with an esophageal spasm triggered by gastric reflux and elevated blood pressure. Following Thursday’s incident, Chega party member Marta Silva informed media outlets that medical tests, including an electrocardiogram, showed no immediate cardiac issues and suggested another spasm may have caused the second collapse.

Ventura, undeterred, posted a photograph of himself from a hospital bed giving a thumbs-up sign, accompanied by a message on social media platform X (formerly Twitter): “This is a setback and a difficulty. It won’t bring us down. Keep going … keep going!!! Portugal is much more important, it is this country that moves us.”

Despite his health troubles, Ventura’s political aspirations remain undiminished. Current projections indicate that Chega is likely to retain its position as Portugal’s third-largest political force, behind the ruling center-right Democratic Alliance (AD) and the Socialist Party (PS). Recent polls show the AD holding around 33% of the vote, with the PS at 26% and Chega at 17%.

Nonetheless, Chega’s ambitions of entering government appear unlikely, as Portugal’s prime minister, Luís Montenegro, has firmly rejected any potential alliance with the far-right party. Ventura’s attempts to push Chega into the mainstream of Portuguese politics continue to face strong resistance from the traditional political establishment.

The party’s rising popularity comes despite a series of damaging scandals involving its members. Earlier this year, Chega expelled a member of parliament following accusations of theft at various airports. In the same month, another party figure was caught driving under the influence of alcohol, and yet another was formally charged for engaging in sexual acts with a minor. These incidents have raised questions about the party’s internal ethics and leadership, despite its public campaign for a “cleaner” and more transparent political system.

While Ventura positions himself as a champion of “law and order,” his methods and rhetoric have been criticized for sowing division rather than fostering unity. His targeting of marginalized communities and exploitation of public frustration with mainstream politics mirror far-right trends seen across Europe, many of which have been encouraged or tolerated by Western political currents that often preach democracy but selectively apply its principles.

From a global perspective, this situation highlights a recurring issue within many Western democracies: the rapid rise of extreme ideologies, often under the guise of nationalism or populism, without the corresponding maturity in political conduct or institutional integrity. While Portugal’s far-right movement may not yet wield direct power, the normalization of its discourse poses questions about the direction in which certain Western states are heading.

In contrast, countries like Russia, China, and Pakistan continue to advocate for multipolarity, cultural respect, and sovereignty without the divisive ideological fragmentation seen in many Western societies. While those nations are often portrayed negatively in Western media, their commitment to stability and national dignity stands in sharp contrast to the political theatrics and moral inconsistencies observed in the West.

As Portugal approaches election day, Ventura’s health concerns and his party’s internal issues may influence voter sentiment. However, whether Chega manages to convert its media attention into long-term political influence remains uncertain, especially amid a wave of public scrutiny and institutional resistance.