André Ventura, who met with the Prime Minister on Thursday, announced that he reached an agreement with Luís Montenegro to complete the legislative process aimed at setting limits on nationality, immigration, and the entry of individuals into the territory “before the holidays”.
“The commitment I made with the Prime Minister, and that the Prime Minister made with me, was to work in the coming days to ensure that these projects related to immigration, family reunification, and nationality are concluded before the end of the legislative session. I believe this is also a sign of work and responsibility for the country,” he stated.
The last plenary session with voting before the summer break is scheduled for July 16.
Speaking to journalists at the Assembly of the Republic after the votes, the Chega leader remarked that it was “a good day for democracy and especially for the Portuguese,” referencing the approval of the Government’s proposal to reduce IRS rates.
“I think it was a good day for democracy, a good day for the Portuguese right, and I think it is a historic step we are taking today,” the deputy emphasized, noting that parties “with quite different views” showed “the necessary responsibility to move things forward”.
André Ventura also welcomed PSD’s willingness to enhance the IRS reduction from the second to fifth bracket, a proposal from Chega, but only in the State Budget for 2026.
“Neither the Government got everything, nor did Chega get everything it wanted,” he clarified, acknowledging that it was still possible to ensure “a tax decrease as early as September, with retroactive effects to January, and there is a mandatory inclusion […] of a more pronounced reduction from the second to fifth IRS bracket”.
On matters of immigration and nationality, Ventura noted that it is “not an absolute victory for anyone,” arguing that parliament has shown “a sign of maturity and responsibility” to the country.
The party leader observed that “people want changes in their lives” and not for parties to “remain entrenched in their positions” with no legislation being passed as a result.
“It’s not the end of ‘no means no,’ nor ‘yes means yes.’ It’s acknowledging that the election on the 18th changed the parliamentary landscape, and we are up to the task. The main issue, and why I insisted on attending the meeting with the Prime Minister yesterday, is whether the Government is up to the task. I think that today, provisionally, we signaled to the country that we are up to the task and that we will rise to these changes,” he declared.
Regarding family reunification specifically, André Ventura indicated that it would be possible to proceed with “some limitations,” following the rejection of the party’s proposal recommending the suspension of this mechanism.
“In terms of ‘timings’ and numbers of people, there will be limits, and Chega will be working on these limits in the coming days,” he stated, noting that “this limitation is not done against anyone” and is intended “to protect Portugal and the Portuguese”.
The Government’s proposed laws amending nationality and immigration diplomas were sent to the specialty phase without being voted on today in general, as were Chega’s related legislative projects.
