50 years post-dictatorship, Portugal’s youth being seduced by far-right ideologies

Portugal’s far-right Chega party made historic gains in the country’s national elections held in early March, capturing 18% of the vote. The party, led by André Ventura, celebrated its surge in popularity at Futurallia, Portugal’s largest student fair, where Ventura was seen popping red balloons with darts under a sign that read “Socialism explodes in Portugal.”

Chega, which means “enough” in Portuguese, came in third in the snap elections, jumping from 12 to 50 seats. This significant rise comes as Portugal commemorates fifty years since the overthrow of the right-wing military dictatorship led by Antonio Salazar.

Ventura’s popularity among the youth was evident at the fair, where a crowd of young people aged 15 to 18 cheered him on. The party has a strong presence on social media platforms like TikTok, where Ventura boasts over 280,000 followers. Despite criticism, some young voters like Tiago and Joaqim expressed support for Chega, citing a desire for change and a focus on youth issues.

However, not all young people are in favor of Chega. Inez and Raquel voiced concerns about the party’s rhetoric and its impact on minorities. Anti-discrimination organizations have labeled Chega as a hate group, citing its discriminatory views on immigration and minority communities.

Young Chega activists like 25-year-old Ricardo Reis defend the party’s stance on immigration, claiming it is not racist but focused on ensuring that immigrants contribute to society. The party’s messaging resonates with some voters in regions like the Algarve, where concerns about immigration and economic insecurity are prevalent.

As Chega continues to gain momentum, young politicians like Rita Maria Matias are rising within the party ranks. Matias, who stands against abortion and defines herself as anti-feminist, highlights the party’s focus on traditional values and family. With ties to far-right movements across Europe, Chega aims to make an impact in the upcoming European elections while remaining cautious in its criticism of the European Union.