What is the main topic?

The article discusses the health issues of Andre Ventura, leader of Portugal's far-right party Chega, and its impact on the upcoming election.

Who is Andre Ventura?

Andre Ventura is the leader of Portugal's far-right party Chega, known for his controversial views and significant influence in Portuguese politics.

What caused Ventura's collapse?

Ventura's collapse was attributed to an esophageal spasm caused by gastric reflux and high blood pressure.

Editorial & Advertiser disclosure

Global Banking & Finance Review® is an online platform offering news, analysis, and opinion on the latest trends, developments, and innovations in the banking and finance industry worldwide. The platform covers a diverse range of topics, including banking, insurance, investment, wealth management, fintech, and regulatory issues. The website publishes news, press releases, opinion and advertorials on various financial organizations, products and services which are commissioned from various Companies, Organizations, PR agencies, Bloggers etc. These commissioned articles are commercial in nature. This is not to be considered as financial advice and should be considered only for information purposes. It does not reflect the views or opinion of our website and is not to be considered an endorsement or a recommendation. We cannot guarantee the accuracy or applicability of any information provided with respect to your individual or personal circumstances. Please seek Professional advice from a qualified professional before making any financial decisions. We link to various third-party websites, affiliate sales networks, and to our advertising partners websites. When you view or click on certain links available on our articles, our partners may compensate us for displaying the content to you or make a purchase or fill a form. This will not incur any additional charges to you. To make things simpler for you to identity or distinguish advertised or sponsored articles or links, you may consider all articles or links hosted on our site as a commercial article placement. We will not be responsible for any loss you may suffer as a result of any omission or inaccuracy on the website.

Home > Headlines > Portugal far-right leader suffers second collapse days before election

Headlines

Portugal far-right leader suffers second collapse days before election

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®

Posted on May 15, 2025

2 min read

Last updated: January 23, 2026

Portugal far-right leader suffers second collapse days before election - Headlines news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review

Portugal's Far-Right Leader Collapses Ahead of Election

LISBON (Reuters) - The leader of Portugal's far-right party Chega collapsed on Thursday during an open-air campaign rally ahead of Sunday's general election and was rushed to a hospital, just two days after suffering a similar incident at another party event.

In videos from the rally in Odemira in southern Portugal that circulated online, Andre Ventura, 42, could be seen grabbing his chest and trying to undo his tie before collapsing into the arms of his aides who carried him away.

Ventura was discharged from a hospital in Faro only on Wednesday after his previous collapse. The hospital said he had an esophageal spasm caused by gastric reflux and high blood pressure.

Chega lawmaker Marta Silva told CNN Portugal the electrocardiogram in an ambulance immediately after the second collapse showed that "everything is well with his heart" and it was likely another esophageal spasm.

In a video posted on X on Wednesday referring to this week's earlier collapse, Ventura said he was recovering well from what he called "a very, very frightening episode that I felt for the first time in my life".

Ventura founded the anti-establishment Chega in 2019, advocating tougher sentences for criminals, including chemical castration for repeat rapists, calling for an end to Portugal's "open doors" immigration policy and accusing the mainstream political parties of perpetuating corruption.

Chega became the third-largest parliamentary force in 2022 and quadrupled its parliamentary seats in an election last year to 50 after running on a platform of fighting corruption and immigration. But most analysts say the party is a one-man show owing its success to Ventura's fiery eloquence, charisma and good looks.

Ventura is a law postgraduate who once trained to be a priest but who made his name as a TV sports commentator. He gained notoriety in 2018 with incendiary remarks against the local Roma community.

Ahead of Sunday's election, opinion polls show Chega in third place, little changed from its 2024 result of 18%, its meteoric rise apparently stalled by recent scandals involving several senior party members.

(Reporting by Andrei Khalip; Editing by Frances Kerry)

Portugal far-right leader suffers second collapse days before election

Quick Summary

Portugal's Far-Right Leader Collapses Ahead of Election

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions about Portugal far-right leader suffers second collapse days before election