André Ventura criticized the statements made by his adversary in an interview, asserting that Portuguese people have “a truly special gene” due to their love for their country.
“That is what sets us apart. It is not the same to be Indian, Moroccan, Pakistani, Spanish, or from anywhere else and come here, staying for five, six, seven, or ten years. It is not the same as being born in this country, being part of this country, loving this country, and being part of this Portuguese culture,” he argued.
Ventura was speaking at an outdoor dining area next to the city park in Loures, Lisbon district, before several mayors elected by Chega in this municipality and in Odivelas.
The candidate for the upcoming presidential elections stated that “those who want to be Presidents of the Republic cannot believe that an immigrant after 10 years is the same as a Portuguese” nor “can they say that Mário Soares is their reference.”
“Mário Soares was a traitor to this country, and the Portuguese right knows that Mário Soares was a traitor to this country,” he accused.
In an interview, presidential candidate Gouveia e Melo stated that Mário Soares is his model for a President and completely distanced himself from the anti-immigration rhetoric, even if it means losing votes in the presidential race.
The admiral also argued that an immigrant who has been in Portugal for several years “is as Portuguese” as citizens born in the country, questioning whether the Portuguese have “a special gene.”
André Ventura accused Gouveia e Melo of changing his rhetoric to “please the PS.”
“Every time the admiral speaks, we gain another 100,000 or 200,000 votes. I don’t know if he’s giving interviews today or not, but it’s good that he gives many, as it continues to strengthen us,” he stated.
The Chega leader asserted that his “battle is even greater now” and that “there are two poles in these elections.”
“There is the pole of those who want to do everything the same as it has been done for 50 years and are willing to betray their people, and there is a pole that wants to save this country. In the legislative, municipal, and presidential elections, Chega will always be on the same side, on the side of those who want to save this country,” he indicated.
André Ventura also stated that he will strive to advance to the second round of the presidential elections and to be elected President of the Republic and declared that he will not accept “any other result in Lourdes and Odivelas in the presidential elections that is not a great victory for us in these two municipalities.”
“Let’s be honest, if I don’t win here, I won’t win anywhere else,” he said.
