The internet is buzzing with a video showing the moment far-right leader André Ventura collapses during a pre-election rally in Odemira, southern Portugal. The incident occurred on Thursday (15.05.25) ahead of parliamentary elections set for Sunday. The 42-year-old leader of the Chega party was seen clutching his chest and attempting to loosen his tie before falling into the arms of his aides, who quickly removed him from the scene.
Ventura had been discharged from a hospital in Faro just the previous day after a similar episode. The hospital reported that he experienced an esophageal spasm caused by gastroesophageal reflux and had high blood pressure. Marta Silva, a Chega MP, told CNN Portugal that an electrocardiogram conducted inside the ambulance after his collapse indicated that ‘everything is fine with his heart’ and it might have been another esophageal spasm.
In a video posted on X yesterday referring to the health scare earlier this week, Ventura said he is recovering well from what he described as ‘a very, very terrifying episode that I felt for the first time in my life.’ Despite not being fully recovered, Ventura expressed eagerness to return to campaigning.
Founded in 2019, Ventura’s Chega party advocates for harsher sentences for criminals, including chemical castration for repeat rapists, opposes Portugal’s open-door migration policy, and accuses mainstream political parties of corruption. Chega became the third-largest parliamentary force in 2022 and quadrupled its seats to 50 last year. Polls indicate the party remains in third place heading into Sunday’s election, maintaining around 18% support despite recent scandals involving senior members.