Chega Splits Over Ventura's Presidential Bid as Polls Show Surprising Lead

Internal Division in Chega

The decision by André Ventura to make himself available for a presidential candidacy has split the national councilors of Chega during their meeting on Friday night. Sources present stated that never in the party's history has there been such a deep division over a leader's decision.

Arguments For and Against the Candidacy

For a slight majority, a candidacy by the leader is seen as the only way for Chega to maintain media relevance during the months-long campaign. This period is expected to intensify after the presentation of the State Budget and the local elections, leading up to the presidential vote on January 18 to choose the successor to Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

On the contrary, the recent Aximage poll, which placed Chega first in voting intentions for the first time, was used by critics as an argument against Ventura's candidacy. They argue that Ventura has the profile of a prime minister, not a president, and should not enter the race for Belém. However, some immediately countered that the poll might be 'a trap' to discourage Ventura from running.

In an interview with Nascer do SOL, Ventura had revealed that he would listen to the National Council before deciding, emphasizing that the party cannot "aspire to anything less than reaching the second round" and that the candidate must have "potential for that." His statements strongly indicated his intention to run, pending only a preliminary hearing with his national advisors.

Ventura justified his candidacy by stating, "Like it or not, the second-largest party in the country and the leader of the Opposition cannot leave empty or vacant spaces, cannot remain silent in a candidacy like the one representing the elections on January 18. Chega cannot, does not have the right, nor should it look away, ignore its militants, its supporters, and not give them a voice in these elections." He added that he never considered "personal risk," focusing instead on the party's goals and the importance of an anti-system political space opposing what he called a "culture of collusion, woke culture, and dominance of foreignism and tolerated immigration."

Reactions from the Left

Ventura's move has stirred reactions, especially on the Left. Socialists have called for unity around a single candidate to avoid a potential second round contested by two right-wing candidates.

This week, António José Seguro affirmed that his candidacy is non-partisan, stating, "I saw the news that the PS has already scheduled its National Commission to discuss the presidential elections, and I repeat what I have always said: I respect party life, and this is not a partisan candidacy." He emphasized transparency and his hope to earn the trust of the Portuguese.

Other left-wing candidates include the communist António Filipe, who insists his candidacy "is to be taken to the end," and Catarina Martins of the Bloc of Left, who announced her run to defend democracy, freedom, equality, common goods, and peace. The Livre party has yet to decide on a candidate, with Rui Tavares not ruling out a run, potentially further dividing the left.

Concerns Among Other Candidates

Ventura's announcement has also caused concern in the camp of Luís Marques Mendes. Earlier this year, Mendes highlighted his extensive political experience, stating that the presidency "is an eminently political office" and should be held by someone with political experience.

In the camp of Henrique Gouveia e Melo, reactions were restrained. The admiral confirmed a past lunch with Ventura but downplayed its significance, emphasizing his status as a "truly independent" candidate and criticizing others for their party dependencies. He stated he does not reject votes from the far-right or far-left, as long as they are Portuguese votes, while noting he is centrist and has always voted PSD or PS.

Among supporters of João Cotrim de Figueiredo, the liberal candidate, there is a belief that Ventura's candidacy might harm some youth votes but without major impact. Cotrim de Figueiredo continues to appeal for votes on social media, promoting a vision of a modern, free Portugal.