In a statement to journalists after submitting the signatures formalizing his candidacy for the presidential elections to the Constitutional Court (TC), André Ventura expressed his intent to respect the judges’ decision on the nationality law, set to be announced this afternoon. However, he hopes for a favorable outcome.
“Chega has worked extensively, along with the PSD, to reach this consensus. My sincere hope is that this nationality law will not be vetoed by the TC,” he stated.
Ventura noted that the collaboration between Chega and PSD aimed to ensure that the nationality law aligns with the Constitution. He emphasized that the final text does not wholly reflect the initial preferences of Chega or the Government but represents a national consensus.
“I urge the Court and public institutions to consider this national consensus reached in a country that recently held legislative elections, resulting in a clear majority between the governing party and Chega. This majority represents over 50% of the population. I request such consideration,” he said.
The Chega leader argued that the TC should recognize “that the people voted, that the people want change” and that institutions must adapt to this change. He added that the parliamentary majority formed by PSD and Chega is striving to effectively manage the country, and this management should be “implemented by all institutions.”
“This is not to say that the Court does not have the full legitimacy to make its decision, as it has done before, and we will respect that decision,” he clarified.
After formalizing his candidacy submission to the TC, Ventura reported that he managed to gather the required 7,500 signatures to qualify as a candidate in just five hours, calling it “an absolutely historic record in democracy,” which “clearly demonstrates the level of support” for his candidacy.
“I believe we will have a significant result on the 18th. We are working towards this and aiming for a major victory that will deliver the necessary shake-up to the system we need to achieve in Portugal,” he declared.
