Portugal’s Far-Right Chega Party Becomes Main Opposition, Reshaping National Politics

In a political shift that marks a historic moment for Portugal, the far-right Chega party has officially emerged as the country’s main opposition force, securing second place in the national parliament after the final overseas votes were counted. Founded just five years ago, the nationalist party led by former football commentator André Ventura has surged to 60 seats in Portugal’s 230-seat assembly—just behind the center-right Democratic Alliance (AD), which won 91 seats but failed to secure a majority.

Chega, meaning “Enough,” capitalized on widespread dissatisfaction with the nation’s traditional parties amid economic stress, a worsening housing crisis, and faltering public services. The Socialist Party (PS), which had long dominated the political landscape, slipped to third place with 58 seats—prompting its leader Pedro Nuno Santos to resign within hours of the election.

“This is a profound change in the Portuguese political system,” Ventura declared to supporters. “What a great victory! Thank you to all the Portuguese who trusted us!” he wrote on X, hailing the outcome as a turning point for the country.

Chega’s ascent mirrors a broader trend sweeping Europe, where far-right parties like France’s National Rally and Italy’s Brothers of Italy have broken into the political mainstream. In Portugal, Chega’s rise has shattered the long-standing pattern of center-left and center-right power-sharing, turning it into a formidable opposition force in a fractured parliament.

Despite its electoral gains, Chega remains isolated politically. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has repeatedly rejected any coalition with Ventura’s party, citing fundamental differences in policy and governance style. “Governing with Chega is impossible,” Montenegro said, criticizing the party’s inconsistency and unsuitability for government roles.

Even the small Liberal Initiative party, whose nine seats could help Montenegro stabilize a minority government, has refused to support any alliance that would empower Chega. This has left the incoming administration facing a difficult legislative road ahead, with slim margins and little room for maneuver in a deeply fragmented parliament.

Chega’s campaign drew heavily on anti-immigration rhetoric and promises to clean up corruption—although the party itself has been tainted by scandal. Earlier this year, one MP was expelled over airport theft allegations, another was charged with soliciting sex from a minor, and a third was caught drunk-driving.

Nevertheless, the party’s hardline messaging resonated with many voters, especially as the caretaker government recently announced plans to deport 18,000 irregular migrants—a move critics say was aimed at appealing to far-right sympathizers.

The election was called after a failed confidence vote brought down the previous government, triggered by scrutiny over Prime Minister Montenegro’s links to a data protection consultancy. Though he denied any wrongdoing, the controversy underscored a deeper political instability that Chega was quick to exploit.

As Portugal prepares for a new chapter in its parliamentary history, the presence of Chega as the leading opposition force is set to test the country’s political resilience. While Ventura celebrates a “historic victory,” his next challenge will be to transform protest votes into tangible policy influence—without the support of the traditional power blocs that still view his party as too radical to govern.