During a press briefing in parliament, André Ventura stated that the “Chega will not accept” the newly proposed legislation regulating the entry of foreigners into Portugal, presented on Wednesday by the government. Ventura criticized the administration for not maintaining its stance on issues such as family reunification, border defense, or immigrant expulsion.
The Chega leader mentioned that, due to disagreement with the current version, the party intends to propose amendments aimed at “restricting family reunification,” arguing that “the country cannot continue to accept people indiscriminately.” He also insisted on strengthening the resources of the new Foreigners and Borders Unit (UNEF).
Ventura reiterated his criticism of Chega not being consulted in drafting the new foreign nationals law, accusing the administration of an “arrogant” attitude and of lying by claiming it had coordinated with Chega when it did not.
André Ventura further commented that Luís Montenegro is “comfortable” if he “enjoys facing parliament alone and playing the victim,” emphasizing that the government lacks an absolute majority and reasserting Chega’s influence in the current parliament.
“If there is a law coordinated between the two parties and it reaches the President of the Republic and is vetoed, the usual process is to create a new coordination between the parties to produce a new version of the law. If one of the parties believes it can introduce the law alone, then Chega could also have introduced a standalone bill on foreigners and did not,” he criticized.
André Ventura also remarked that the government’s approach to this matter “is not a good start” for the negotiations on the State Budget for 2026. He asserted that the government cannot adopt this attitude and subsequently blame other parties for causing the government’s downfall or triggering new elections.
“There is a party willing from the outset to serve as interlocutors provided we are respected, considering the positions of the voters who elected us. I believe that’s the least expected from a political party. If this isn’t desired, very well, there is the Socialist Party to reckon with,” he said.
The Assembly of the Republic will revisit next Tuesday, in plenary, the general, specialized, and final global voting sessions on the new amendments to the foreign nationals’ law, following the previous rejection by the Constitutional Court.
The newly announced amendments to the foreign nationals’ law by Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro, aimed at ensuring alignment with the Constitution, retain the requirement of two years of valid residency to apply for family reunification, while allowing several exceptions, including for spouses.
