“André Ventura’s candidacy for presidency secures support from Chega’s electorate while providing a platform to advocate his viewpoints.
However, his candidacy could limit opportunities for others. While Gouveia e Melo’s esteemed reputation permits him to maintain hopes of presidency, Marques Mendes may face significant difficulties with Ventura’s entry. Despite years on television, Mendes’ image hasn’t gained much traction. His close association with the PSD wins some sympathy, though it’s insufficient.
Pedro Santana Lopes, coming off a victory in Figueira, may reconsider his presidential aspirations, holding advantages that Mendes does not.
António José Seguro, lacking PS endorsement, finds this advantageous while appealing to both the right and left of PS. Cotrim Figueiredo and Catarina Martins aim to retain support from IL and BE electorates, respectively. António Filipe extends appeal beyond PCP.
Ventura is likely to reach a runoff in the elections and potentially win. Only one figure could halt him—Gouveia e Melo.
The situation is intriguing, with a military figure defending the regime’s continuity against Ventura, who seeks a profound departure from it.
Lisbon’s political sphere has yet to grasp that Ventura is here to stay, resembling a ‘caterpillar’ bulldozing everything in his path.”
