Portugal’s Right-Wing Party Leader André Ventura Collapses During Campaign Speech

Just days before Portugal’s legislative elections, André Ventura, the leader of the conservative Chega party, collapsed during a campaign speech on Tuesday evening.

At around 9:10 pm local time in Tavira, southern Portugal, 42-year-old André Ventura abruptly froze mid-speech, clutching his chest and neck before members of his party rushed to escort him off stage, as captured in footage aired by RTP3, according to Bloomberg.

WATCH:

André Ventura felt unwell and put his hand to his chest while speaking at a rally in Tavira this evening.

The president of Chega was promptly assisted, surrounded by security guards and removed from the stage. pic.twitter.com/uLbSjCYc1n

— Mundo Vivo (@mundo__vivo) May 13, 2025

Emergency services promptly transported Ventura to the Faro Hospital, where he is currently under medical observation. 

Portugal’s acting Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro wrote on X, “I was informed that @AndreCVentura became ill at a party event. From the dinner rally that I am attending in Caldas da Rainha, I send my best wishes for a speedy recovery, hoping that it is nothing serious.”

I was informed that @AndreCVentura felt unwell at a political event. From the dinner rally I am attending in Caldas da Rainha, I send my best wishes for a speedy recovery, hoping that it is nothing serious.

— Luís Montenegro (@LMontenegro_PT) May 13, 2025

Pedro Pinto, a parliamentary leader within Chega, later confirmed that Ventura was conscious and undergoing medical evaluation.

“Our leader had a problem that we still can’t evaluate,” Pedro Pinto said, adding, “But he is well and has spoken to us.”

RTP reported:

The Algarve hospital has already confirmed that the Chega leader is out of danger and that his health condition does not require much concern. Ventura will repeat the tests this Wednesday and will be discharged if everything is normal.

The INEM doctor who assisted André Ventura during the ambulance trip between Tavira and Faro Hospital told journalists that “everything is fine” with the Chega president.

“Everything is fine with him at the moment”, said the doctor, adding that “everything went well” and that the emergency team’s response was “very quick and very good”.

Pedro Pinto, leader of the Chega party, spoke to those present at the dinner-rally after André Ventura was taken to the hospital: “Don’t worry, we will win the elections on May 18th”.

“On the advice of the doctors, he went to the hospital for some evaluations and everything will go well”, he said, adding that at the leader’s request the meeting should continue. “We will continue with this dinner (…) we will continue to fight for this country, for this party”, concluded the party leader, asking for a round of applause for André Ventura.

In the wake of the incident, far-left protesters have gathered outside the hospital, singing for Ventura to die.

WATCH:

Gypsies are at the door of the hospital where André Ventura was taken, singing for him to die.

The left is essentially evil and demonic everywhere. The moral weakness of its supporters leads to this.

Ventura is stable, doing well and as a good Catholic he is protected by NSJC. pic.twitter.com/KSpo7ex8X9

— Professor Carlos Barros (@profcabarros) May 13, 2025