A on a Saturday at 11:30 AM, vendors and customers were sparse on the first floor of the Municipal Market of Vila Real. André Ventura arrived, spoke briefly to journalists, and continued on his way, greeting the few people he encountered.
In addition to the usual stalls of flowers, cold cuts, and fish, the leader of the Chega party came across a seller displaying paintings, which were hand-drawn by her daughter.
Ventura began by praising the artwork, admitting that art was not his forte and admitting he had no talent for painting or drawing.
Following this brief exchange, as he observed the paintings, the Chega leader accepted the seller’s challenge to take one of the paintings “back to Lisbon.”
“I’ll take one of these,” stated Ventura, picking up an illustration of the Vila Real City Hall, which his entourage considered a good omen for the municipal elections.
Ventura attempted to pay with a bank card, but the woman informed him it was not possible. He then inquired about the price so he could withdraw the necessary funds.
“She wanted 100 euros, but I’m willing to let it go for 80,” the seller indicated.
Upon hearing the price, Ventura remarked that it would have to be “later” since he did not have enough cash with him at the time.
“When?” the woman asked, to which Ventura replied it would have to be “after the campaign,” requesting her to hold the painting.
At this point, a member of the entourage provided the money, leading Ventura to decide he would take the illustration, but insisted a receipt had to be issued, a request the woman was unable to fulfill.
“There needs to be a receipt, or it can’t be done,” he stated, abandoning the purchase.
The party leader, previously employed by the Tax and Customs Authority, insisted that regulations should be “the same for everyone.”
The seller persisted, but the transaction remained incomplete.
“I’m very sorry, but it can’t be,” concluded André Ventura, who then proceeded with his tour, leaving the paintings in place.
Following the market visit, the entourage carried out a brief walk through the city center, accompanied by around 40 supporters.
The onset of rain quickened their pace, although the leader saw it as a sign for a “blessed campaign.”
Manuela Tender, a former member of PSD and head of Chega’s list for Vila Real, also regarded the rain as a “good omen” for the party to achieve “an excellent result” in this year’s legislative elections.
Last year, Chega elected one deputy in this district, and the objective in the upcoming elections is to double that result.
