André Ventura’s radical bid to reshape Portugal’s political future in 2026
André Ventura has become one of Portugal’s most polarising political figures. Born in 1983 into a modest family, he struggled financially while pursuing his education. Now, at 42, he is running for president again in 2026, positioning himself as the only leader capable of dismantling the 'old political system' and pushing for a 'Fourth Republic' through constitutional reforms.
His rise has been swift. From a law professor and sports commentator to the founder of the far-right party Chega, Ventura has reshaped Portugal’s political landscape in just a few years.
Ventura’s early years were marked by financial hardship. Despite this, he excelled academically, graduating from Nova University Lisbon’s School of Law with a near-perfect score of 19 out of 20. He later earned a PhD in Criminal Justice from the University of Cork. Before entering politics, he worked as a university lecturer, tax inspector, and legal consultant, while also gaining public recognition as a sports commentator on CMTV.
His political career began with the Social Democratic Party (PSD). However, conflicts with party leadership led him to resign from his council seat in 2018. The following year, he founded Chega, a far-right party initially embroiled in controversy over forged signatures. Despite this, the party was legally established after collecting over 7,500 validated signatures.
Chega quickly gained traction. In 2019, it secured its first seat in the Assembly of the Republic. By 2024, the party had expanded to 12 seats, crossing the 1 million-vote threshold. Ventura’s provocative rhetoric—targeting issues like immigration and crime—has been central to its growth. His proposals, including life imprisonment and chemical castration for pedophiles, have drawn sharp criticism from the Commission for Equality and Against Racial Discrimination.
Ventura first ran for president in 2021, finishing third. Now, he is campaigning again, framing himself as a disruptor of Portugal’s political establishment.
Ventura’s 2026 presidential campaign centres on his call for a 'Fourth Republic' and sweeping constitutional changes. His party, Chega, has grown from a controversial start to a major force in Portuguese politics. Whether his vision gains broader support will be tested in the upcoming election.
