André Ventura has stated that while Chega is open to collaboration, it comes with certain caveats, emphasizing that Luís Montenegro needs to clarify the origins of his wealth acquired during his political career.
In a press conference held at Chega’s headquarters in Lisbon, Ventura remarked, “As long as I, or Chega as a whole, do not understand how or where the Prime Minister has obtained all his assets, there can be no possibility of any agreement with us.”
He further stressed, “Therefore, the Prime Minister must provide a reasonable and credible explanation for this, or else there is no point in pursuing any form of agreement.”
Earlier, Ventura expressed his aspiration for Chega to emerge as the leading right-wing party, highlighting that “all polls indicate that the PSD and Chega will secure a majority in these elections, even those suggesting a PS victory.”
“Even if the PS becomes the party with the most votes, which we hope will not happen, Chega will do everything to ensure a right-wing government in Portugal that distances the socialists from the center of power,” he declared.
When asked about potential post-election alliances with the PSD, led by Luís Montenegro, Ventura initially responded that “the PSD needs to do its part as well” and that “Chega has very stringent criteria in this matter.”
He then held the PSD accountable for refusing to “build this right-wing majority” during the concluding legislature, adding that “it will now be up to the PSD to decide if they want to construct this majority or not.”
Ventura asserted that Chega “does not make agreements or any form of rapprochement with those suspected of corruption or illicit enrichment, or with anyone unable to provide clear explanations on obvious issues.”
