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.
Tensions between Iran and Israel reached a critical point as both nations clashed at an emergency UN Security Council meeting, following a sweeping Israeli strike on Iranian targets that Tehran condemned as state terrorism and a deliberate attempt to sabotage nuclear diplomacy.
Israel’s strikes on Iran sparked global alarm, with leaders divided between calls for restraint and sharp condemnation. As tensions rise, the UN and regional powers urge urgent de-escalation to prevent wider conflict.
Israel’s strike on a Tehran housing complex killed around 60 people, including 20 children, according to Iranian state media. Though aimed at Iran’s nuclear programme, the scale and messaging suggest a deeper goal: regime change.
Kazakhstan has selected Russia’s Rosatom to lead the construction of its first nuclear power plant, edging out bids from China, France, and South Korea, in a move that deepens energy ties with Moscow despite public unease over Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Iran confirmed limited damage to its Fordow nuclear facility following recent attacks, assuring that critical equipment had been relocated in advance and there are no contamination risks.
Israel’s strikes on Iran sparked global alarm, with leaders divided between calls for restraint and sharp condemnation. As tensions rise, the UN and regional powers urge urgent de-escalation to prevent wider conflict.
Israel’s strike on a Tehran housing complex killed around 60 people, including 20 children, according to Iranian state media. Though aimed at Iran’s nuclear programme, the scale and messaging suggest a deeper goal: regime change.
Kazakhstan has selected Russia’s Rosatom to lead the construction of its first nuclear power plant, edging out bids from China, France, and South Korea, in a move that deepens energy ties with Moscow despite public unease over Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Iran confirmed limited damage to its Fordow nuclear facility following recent attacks, assuring that critical equipment had been relocated in advance and there are no contamination risks.
Iran has pulled out of nuclear talks with the United States after Israeli airstrikes on its military and nuclear sites, triggering a wave of missile attacks and raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
Pakistan will begin its first freight train service to Russia from Lahore on June 22. The route is part of the INSTC and aims to connect Pakistan's rail network with Central Asia, establishing a new trade corridor via Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 8th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay is in critical condition after being shot three times — including twice in the head — during a campaign event in Bogotá.
A 30-year-old woman was shot by police in Munich on Saturday evening after stabbing two people at Theresienwiese, a central park best known for hosting Oktoberfest.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has condemned U.S. immigration raids and National Guard deployment in Los Angeles, calling for reforms instead of enforcement.
Israel’s strikes on Iran sparked global alarm, with leaders divided between calls for restraint and sharp condemnation. As tensions rise, the UN and regional powers urge urgent de-escalation to prevent wider conflict.
Israel’s strike on a Tehran housing complex killed around 60 people, including 20 children, according to Iranian state media. Though aimed at Iran’s nuclear programme, the scale and messaging suggest a deeper goal: regime change.
Iran confirmed limited damage to its Fordow nuclear facility following recent attacks, assuring that critical equipment had been relocated in advance and there are no contamination risks.
Iran has pulled out of nuclear talks with the United States after Israeli airstrikes on its military and nuclear sites, triggering a wave of missile attacks and raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
Tensions between Iran and Israel reached a critical point as both nations clashed at an emergency UN Security Council meeting, following a sweeping Israeli strike on Iranian targets that Tehran condemned as state terrorism and a deliberate attempt to sabotage nuclear diplomacy.
Israel’s strikes on Iran sparked global alarm, with leaders divided between calls for restraint and sharp condemnation. As tensions rise, the UN and regional powers urge urgent de-escalation to prevent wider conflict.
Israel’s strike on a Tehran housing complex killed around 60 people, including 20 children, according to Iranian state media. Though aimed at Iran’s nuclear programme, the scale and messaging suggest a deeper goal: regime change.
Kazakhstan has selected Russia’s Rosatom to lead the construction of its first nuclear power plant, edging out bids from China, France, and South Korea, in a move that deepens energy ties with Moscow despite public unease over Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Iran confirmed limited damage to its Fordow nuclear facility following recent attacks, assuring that critical equipment had been relocated in advance and there are no contamination risks.
Iran has pulled out of nuclear talks with the United States after Israeli airstrikes on its military and nuclear sites, triggering a wave of missile attacks and raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
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