André Ventura’s candidacy is a tactical move, not a genuine bid for the presidency, as he has publicly admitted, according to Marques Mendes at the “Conversas com o Presidente” event hosted by the AEP Foundation in Porto. Mendes asserted that the Chega leader aims to create noise and provoke complications for the government. The former PSD president noted that Ventura is focused on radicalism and confusion, representing only a segment of the Portuguese population. “I advocate for peace and tranquility in people’s lives and aim to represent all Portuguese,” he declared.
Regarding comments from former PSD president and Gouveia e Melo’s national campaign figure, Rui Rio, who suggested in an RTP interview that a Marques Mendes victory might pave the way for Chega’s success in upcoming legislative elections, Mendes chose not to provide remarks. “I don’t comment on that because I run a positive campaign, not one of negativity, and thus won’t say a word,” he emphasized.
