André Ventura, leader of Chega, criticized Admiral Gouveia e Melo for his recent position changes, which he argues align too closely with other political groups like the Socialist Party and the Left Bloc. Speaking to journalists in Entroncamento, Santarém district, Ventura highlighted Gouveia e Melo’s statement that Mario Soares serves as his presidential role model and his view that immigrants become equally Portuguese after ten years, echoing sentiments expressed by those parties.
“This is the same stance adopted by the Left Bloc and the Socialist Party. With Admiral Gouveia Melo, we increasingly realize we are unsure about his views. We don’t know what he thinks about the economy, immigration, corruption, or nationality,” Ventura stated.
Questioning who truly poses a threat to democracy, Ventura asked, “Is it someone everyone in Portugal knows for their clear beliefs, or someone who presents one face yet ultimately portrays another? Who is the danger to democracy? Is it me, or is it the person obscuring their true identity and intentions from the Portuguese regarding their presidential ambitions?”
In a conversation with Expresso, Gouveia e Melo acknowledged that Chega might threaten the fundamental democratic values of the country, emphasizing the need for leadership that endorses national unity and respects democratic institutions.
The presidential elections are set for January 18, 2026.
