Chega leader André Ventura criticizes Donald Trump over Iran war and rising European fuel costs

Criticism over Middle East conflict

The president of the Portuguese party Chega, André Ventura, publicly criticized US President Donald Trump during an event organized by the Patriots foundation in the coastal town of Ericeira, near Lisbon. Ventura stated that foreign military action initiated by the United States has produced severe consequences for international markets, particularly for European consumers facing higher energy expenses. He noted that the conflict in Iran directly impacts living expenses in Southern European countries, including Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy.

There were lots of mistakes that President Trump committed in the last months. The war in Iran is affecting the world economy.

Ventura argued that European nations bear an unequal share of the financial consequences generated by American foreign policy decisions in the Middle East.

I wish this war didn't exist, especially for Portugal, Spain, France, Italy. We are paying more than the United States the price for this war.

Divergence from previous alignment

Ventura's recent remarks contrast with his previous public alignment with the American president. Commentators previously labeled Ventura as the Portuguese Trump due to his confrontational style and sharp rhetoric against the domestic political establishment. He attended Trump's presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C., and borrowed campaign slogans during last year's parliamentary election campaign, pledging to make Portugal great again.

The growing cost of fuel has prompted several European populist leaders to reconsider their open support for Washington. Several nationalist figures across the continent have objected to erratic military objectives as domestic voters deal with rising household expenses. Ventura emphasized that European citizens should not have to absorb the economic fallout of external military campaigns.

It's not very fair that one country starts the war and the others pay for the costs.

Electoral growth of Chega

Ventura began his public career as a television sports commentator before entering national politics. His early political career involved intense controversy following remarks that opponents characterized as racist. Over subsequent election cycles, Chega expanded from a marginal group with minimal polling numbers into the largest opposition party in the Portuguese parliament.

In the February presidential election, Ventura consolidated his political standing by securing one-third of the total vote. That result positioned Chega at the center of Portuguese parliamentary politics, reflecting broader electoral gains achieved by nationalist parties across the European continent.

Pan-European coordination and party outreach

The conference in Ericeira brought together prominent figures from several allied right-wing parties across Europe. Delegations attending the conference included representatives from France's National Rally, Spain's Vox, Hungary's Fidesz, and Italy's League. The participating delegations expressed shared political platforms focused on opposition to current European Union regulatory standards and migration policies.

During his address to the delegates, Ventura called for expanded cooperation among European right-wing movements beyond existing formal alliances. He specifically advocated dialogue with parties outside the Patriots group, including the Alternative for Germany (AfD). The AfD was expelled from the predecessor Identity and Democracy group in 2024 following controversies related to statements about Germany's Nazi history.