André Ventura Confronted by Immigrants at Human Rights Protest: 'Portugal Can't Be an Open Bar'

André Ventura Joins Human Rights Protest Near Parliament

André Ventura, leader of the Chega party, joined a human rights demonstration near the Portuguese Parliament this Wednesday. He was met with boos and insults from hundreds of immigrants gathered there.

"We have to set rules in Portugal, and they have to accept them," Ventura told journalists, stating that "they can't want this to be an open bar."

"I have the right to speak with them. That's what freedom is. And if they don't have that culture of freedom and democracy, they are not welcome in Portugal," he added.

The Chega leader, who announced his candidacy for the presidency on Tuesday, also told reporters that politicians will not allow themselves to be "silenced."

"What we really want is for them to follow the rules," he further asserted to journalists on site, adding that when "people don't let others speak and resort to insults, they are not upholding democracy."

"We have to defend the Portuguese. If they don't want to listen to me? Too bad."

Tensions Rise as Ventura Appears

The immigrant protest was proceeding peacefully near the parliament, but André Ventura's arrival sparked significant controversy. Protesters were already leaving the area of the Assembly of the Republic when the Chega leader showed up to speak to the press.

Those present at the protest began directing insults at Ventura, calling him "fascist," "racist," "xenophobic," and shouting that "Portugal belongs to those who work."

There were moments of tension with Ventura's arrival at the demonstration. In statements to RTP, a member of the Immigrant Solidarity Association, which organized the protest, reported that André Ventura allegedly told immigrants to "leave the country."

"We respect Portugal. We love Portugal. We work in Portugal. Why should we leave?" the member said, lamenting that the Chega leader says in "all his TikTok videos" that he wants immigrants to leave the country.

Referring to how Ventura addressed the protesters, the member stated: "You want respect? Respect other people."