Portugal opens probe into far-right leader Ventura over anti-Roma remarks

Portuguese prosecutors have opened an investigation into far-right politician Andre Ventura after he made controversial pre-election remarks targeting the Roma community.

Portuguese authorities have launched a criminal investigation into far-right leader Andre Ventura following public complaints about anti-Roma remarks he made ahead of the country’s recent general election.

The investigation, announced on Wednesday by the public prosecutor’s office, follows a complaint filed by 10 associations, including the non-profit Letras Nomadas, which supports education and employment for the Roma community. The complaint alleges that Ventura’s pre-election social media videos constituted incitement to hatred.

In one such video, Ventura criticized municipalities for building social housing for the Roma, stating: “But why are we building houses for gypsies? Are we building for normal people?” The remarks were condemned as discriminatory and offensive by Roma advocates.

“That video was the most offensive to us, although others were also pretty serious,” said Bruno Goncalves, vice president of Letras Nomadas. “Ventura even said in the video he'd probably get complaints over that statement. He knew he was crossing the line.”

Ventura, a former law academic and sports commentator, founded the far-right Chega party in 2019. The party advocates harsher penalties for criminals, a clampdown on immigration, and anti-corruption reforms. It has seen a rapid rise in popularity, becoming the third-largest political force in parliament in 2022.

In the March 2025 general election, Chega surged again, tying for second place in the number of parliamentary seats. With final results still pending, the party could become the official opposition. However, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro of the centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD), which won 89 seats, has ruled out any alliance with Chega.

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