The leader of Chega, André Ventura, responded on Saturday to criticism from the Mayor of Oeiras, Isaltino Morais, after being labeled a “little monster representing the worst of the system” and a “liar and coward.”
“How can one not laugh at Isaltino Morais saying that I am the worst of the system, that I am a monster and a small dictator?” André Ventura questioned in a video shared on social media.
The Chega leader stated, “I understand that these people are very afraid” that his party will win the elections because of “what will happen to them.”
He explained: “Because, indeed, in a certain sense, I am a monster. I am the terror of the corrupt who have been robbing us all these years and continue to rob us.”
Ventura reiterated the notion that Isaltino Morais’s place is in “prison” and argued that the “country is tired” of those “who have always robbed and went unpunished.”
“Dr. Isaltino, like many others – like the ‘Sócrates’ of these lives – are examples of this. Therefore, I am a monster to him. But that’s good. I am fighting for you, for the Portuguese people, against these corrupt individuals,” he declared.
“Andrézito, you are nothing more than a little monster that represents the worst of the system,” accused Isaltino Morais
On Friday night, Isaltino Morais shared a video on social media with harsh criticism of André Ventura.
“Andrézito, you are nothing more than a little monster representing the worst of the system. But, you know, before you can step on everyone, you will have to face those who have the courage to tell you what you are. You are a liar and a coward who faces people surrounded by security, who pretends to be strong with immigrants while the police protect you. Liar and coward. Andrézito, populism will have to face courageous democrats to fight you. You will not pass, Andrézito, you will not pass,” said Isaltino Morais.
The exchange of accusations between Isaltino Morais and André Ventura began earlier in the week but escalated on Friday with the release of a video by the Mayor of Oeiras, who accused the leader of Chega of being a “liar and coward.”
Márcia Guímaro Rodrigues | 12:38 – 20/09/2025
How did the controversy start?
The exchange started earlier this week when Isaltino Morais participated in a debate on CNN Portugal and was questioned about André Ventura’s candidacy for President of the Republic.
The mayor did not hold back criticism, accusing the Chega leader of being “the reincarnation of the worst the system has” and a “compulsive liar.”
“Dr. André Ventura lies without any shame and blatantly. And people think that is talent,” he asserted.
For Isaltino Morais, Ventura is “one of those who throws stones before they are thrown at him” and “could still be imprisoned if judicial institutions carry out their power.”
In response, André Ventura wrote on social media: “If Chega were in charge, corrupt individuals like you would be in jail. And they wouldn’t get out so quickly.”
In another post, Ventura argued that if he is ever imprisoned, it will be for defending his “ideas” and the country and “not for stealing public funds,” referring to Isaltino Morais’s conviction for tax fraud and money laundering.
Through Chega’s official page, a post was shared stating that “if Chega governed Portugal, Isaltino Morais would not be parading on television” and that “the only walk he would take would be between the cell and the prison yard.”
In the video released on Friday, Isaltino Morais insisted on responding to Ventura’s threats: “Are you nervous, Andrézito? Are you used to intimidating journalists and opponents? Do you think you scare people? Nobody here is afraid of you. And on top of that, you say that if you were prime minister, you would imprison me? Gee, you really are a dictator.”
The Mayor of Oeiras also warned that if Chega comes to power, “the rule of law and the independence of the courts will end.”
