“I unequivocally condemn, without reservations, any act of violence, especially in protests against journalists, police officers, and politicians, even when we disagree with them. Violence has no place in politics,” emphasized André Ventura, leader of the Chega party, during a press conference held at the party’s headquarters in Lisbon.
“This must be communicated clearly to people. Every act of violence in politics should be condemned, regardless of its origin,” he added.
Discussing the clashes that took place on Friday in Lisbon, which involved participants in an unauthorized protest, Ventura stressed the importance of the right to protest and criticized the Lisbon city council for not ensuring safe conditions. “The council did not handle the situation well, thereby exposing everyone to unnecessary risks of violence,” he stated, attributing the responsibility to Carlos Moedas.
In Ventura’s view, given a negative security assessment highlighting significant risks, especially on April 25—a day when people typically express themselves in various symbolic centers—three options were available: forbid all gatherings, ban some and permit others, or ensure that everyone could exercise their constitutional right to protest safely.
The Chega leader argued for a functioning society that accommodates everyone, from the right and the left, those who support and those who oppose immigration, to prevent a society divided by selective state support.
He expressed complete solidarity with law enforcement: “Chega stands fully, 100%, in solidarity with Portugal’s security forces.”
According to the Public Security Police (PSP), the day’s operations concerning April 25 in Lisbon resulted in three arrests, including leaders from the Ergue-te party and the far-right group 1143, the identification of four individuals, and minor injuries to two police officers.
In his end-of-day report, Iúri Rodrigues, commander of the 1st Police Division of Lisbon’s Metropolitan Command, highlighted two prohibited events initially planned for Martim Moniz, organized by Ergue-te and far-right groups, and a counter-demonstration. The events prompted police action to enforce the ban ordered by the city council head, Carlos Moedas (PSD).
The Ergue-te party attempted to hold their event at Largo de São Domingos near Rossio, leading to heightened tension and necessitating police intervention.
Meanwhile, the traditional April 25 parade from Marquês de Pombal Square to Avenida Liberdade proceeded with “practically no incidents,” according to Iúri Rodrigues.
