At a political rally on Friday night, Lindo Cambão expressed his concern to Rui Tavares about the influence of André Ventura, a prominent figure in the Chega political party, whom he accuses of spreading hatred in Portugal. “I hope for more strength from you to combat André Ventura, that man is bringing hatred to Portugal; our children aren’t safe because of him,” Cambão stated clearly.
Lindo Cambão, accompanied by another family member, argued that Chega should not even exist in Portugal, claiming the party specializes in “shouting, insulting, and inciting hatred.”
Cambão further contested Ventura’s assertion that the Roma community does not work, sharing that he himself is employed by the Torres Vedras City Council.
He noted that four other Roma individuals work alongside him and stressed that if Roma people are given opportunities, they are willing to work, though such opportunities must be offered.
He emphasized, “If a Roma applies for a job at a café, they won’t get it; they have to hide their identity,” highlighting the barriers Roma individuals face in employment.
Rui Tavares, responding to Cambão’s passionate remarks, accused André Ventura of seeking fame by belittling those already stigmatized and marginalized.
Tavares promised to vigorously oppose any form of insult or shouting in parliament to improve the discourse, which he argued had declined due to Chega’s influence.
Nearby, Adelino attempted to share his perspective, but Cambão urged him to conclude, stating that the Roma community, which he proudly represents, is acting in a way that gives Ventura the attention he seeks.
Cambão likened the situation to, “If no one pays him any mind, there’s no talk about him; it’s like dogs, if you don’t engage them, they don’t bite,” he remarked.
Determined to continue the discussion in front of Rui Tavares and parliamentary leader Isabel Mendes Lopes, Lindo Cambão asserted that Roma individuals are not responsible for thefts, unlike some Chega party members, referencing the case involving Miguel Arruda.
Rui Tavares stated his commitment to fighting “anti-Roma” prejudice in the country, even if it is not a popular cause, because “there are good and bad people everywhere.”
Adelino vented his frustration by noting, “Corrupts, bandits, thieves, or subsidy-dependents, that’s what André Ventura calls us; it’s offensive, unjust, and very sad and outraging,” he said.
He believes Ventura’s aim is to provoke rebellious behavior among Roma to later label them as disrupters.
Adelino, employed at the Marvila Parish Council, proposed a solution: “It’s simply ignoring what he says and turning away from him whenever we cross paths with him.”
Rui Tavares, after over six minutes of conversation, concluded that there’s nothing more disgraceful in a person than kicking those who are already down.
