The leader of the far-right Chega party in Portugal André Ventura admitted that this is a hard time for his party. He says his leadership is not weak despite serious scandals involving party members. He insists that he will continue to lead Chega through these difficulties. However, public confidence in the party is at risk due to these controversies.
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Chega Scandals: André Ventura Faces Challenges
Chega has faced many issues in recent weeks. A municipal deputy from the party was accused of exploiting minors. This has caused a major outcry among the public and politicians.
Another case involved Miguel Arruda, a deputy elected on Chega’s list. He was accused of stealing suitcases from an airport and later left the party. Such incidents have raised concerns about the kind of people Chega is attracting.
In addition, a regional deputy for Chega in the Azores was caught driving with 2.25 g/l of alcohol in his blood. This is a crime under Portuguese law. Drinking and driving is a serious offense that puts people lives at risk. Many people now question whether Chega properly vets its candidates before allowing them to represent the party.
Ventura Reaction To Chega Party Cases
Ventura admitted these issues but denied that they hurt his leadership. He acknowledged that scandals have affected the party, but he remains committed to leading it. He stressed that the people will decide through their votes.
He said at the Assembly of the Republic:
I am here for the best moments and the worst moments. This is not a good moment
Despite the scandals, Ventura made it clear that he will not step down.
He stated:
The leadership of the party is in the hands of the party’s activists. This is not a question for now, this is not a question of the moment
He believes that his leadership is still strong and that the party can recover from these setbacks. He also said he takes responsibility for what happens in Chega.
Ventura said:
When I demand others to clean up, I do the same. When I demand justice, I do not attack it; I respect it. When there are cases in my party, I do not look away.
He wants to show that he is a responsible leader who takes action when needed.
Ventura Handling The Situation
Ventura explained how he deals with party scandals. This suggests that he is taking firm action against those involved in wrongdoing. However, some critics argue that his response is not strong enough.
He stressed:
A leader does not choose the cases, but chooses the reaction he has to the cases, he chooses the reaction he has to what happens. Mine is to tell them that they have to leave
He also claimed that Chega has no more scandals than other major parties like PSD and PS. This statement aims to downplay the severity of the scandals. However, the public remains skeptical about this claim. Many people believe that these incidents are damaging Chega’s reputation.
He said:
Chega does not have more cases than PSD, PS, and the others
No Immediate Action
Regarding the Chega MP in the Azores José Paulo Sousa caught driving under the influence, Ventura said he had not yet spoken with him. Many people find it surprising that he has not addressed the issue immediately. This delay raises questions about his commitment to accountability.
But he stated that Nuno Pardal’s more serious case was his main focus. This suggests that he prioritizes dealing with major scandals first. However, critics argue that all scandals should be handled with equal urgency.
Ventura did not confirm if he would ask Sousa to resign. He only said he would contact him soon. Many people are waiting to see what action he will take. If he fails to act it could further damage his reputation as a leader.
Chega Future
Ventura remains committed to leading Chega despite these problems. He says he will not avoid his responsibilities. His determination is clear but the challenges ahead are significant.
He said:
I have never avoided my responsibility as party leader, and I will not start now. I will face both the best and worst moments
But these scandals raise concerns about the party’s credibility. Supporters and critics question whether Chega can stay strong in Portuguese politics. Some believe that the party’s support will decline due to these controversies. Others think that Ventura’s leadership might help the party survive.
The party must regain public trust with elections coming. The way Ventura handles these problems will be crucial. If he manages to restore confidence then Chega may continue to grow. If not, the party could struggle to maintain its influence in the political landscape.
Chega is going through a tough time. Many party members are accused of crimes. This has led to serious concerns among voters and political analysts. Ventura’s leadership is being tested like never before.
He insists that he is still strong. But the real decision will come from the people. If he can manage this crisis, Chega may survive. If not, the party could lose support in the next elections. Only time will tell how the situation unfolds.
