After days of torrential rain, the sun has returned to Portugal’s Algarve region. Even as tourists enjoy the respite in towns like Portimao and Albufeira, a sense of discontent simmers beneath the surface, potentially shifting the country toward its first right-wing nationalist president since the end of its decades-long dictatorship.
Rising Discontent in a Tourist Haven
The Algarve’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, but this prosperity comes at a cost. Rising housing prices and a high cost of living, coupled with an influx of foreign workers, are fueling frustration among some residents. One man in Albufeira told Al Jazeera he knows people struggling to afford rent due to low wages, while another expressed a need for change in Portugal’s leadership.
Many feel that politicians in Lisbon are out of touch with the struggles faced outside the capital. This disconnect has contributed to the Algarve becoming a stronghold for Andre Ventura’s far-right Chega party, whose anti-establishment and anti-immigration message resonates with voters who feel unheard.
Ventura’s Momentum
Ventura, a former TV football commentator, is competing in the second round of the presidential run-off vote on February 8. He is the first populist candidate in Portuguese history to reach this stage, and believes he has momentum on his side. In the 2024 parliamentary elections, Chega became the main opposition to the centre-right government of Luis Montenegro, shaking Portugal’s traditionally socialist and liberal political landscape.
Ventura’s campaign is highly visible in Portimao and Albufeira, with billboards prominently displayed. He frequently appears on television and utilizes social media, drawing comparisons to Donald Trump, whom he admires. Like the former U.S. President, Ventura has focused his rhetoric on immigration, and has even faced sanctions from Portuguese courts for discriminatory comments.
The Role of Immigrant Labor
Not all residents of the Algarve support Ventura. At the Timing temporary employment agency in Albufeira, workers from Bangladesh and India – Tariq Ahmed, Saidul Islam Said, and Gurjeet Singh – seek employment in the region’s hotels and restaurants. They all expressed positive feelings toward Portugal. Saidul Islam Said acknowledged awareness of Chega’s rhetoric but stated he remains focused on his work.
Ricardo Mariano, manager at the agency, emphasized the crucial role of immigrant labor in the Algarve’s economy, stating that the region – and Portugal as a whole – could not function without it. Portugal faces worker shortages in several industries, and a lack of affordable housing, jobs, and low wages continue to drive young Portuguese citizens to seek opportunities abroad.
A Divided Nation
Ventura is being challenged by Antonio Jose Seguro, a veteran socialist politician who has returned to politics with a mission to unite the country and defend its institutions. Seguro argues that voters must choose between democracy and radicalism. Opinion polls suggest Seguro could win, and politicians across the political spectrum are urging their supporters to rally behind him to prevent a Ventura victory. While largely ceremonial, the presidential role holds the power to dissolve parliament or veto laws.
Chega MP Joao Graca is actively campaigning for Ventura in Portimao, receiving a warm reception from those he encounters at a local food market. For some, a Ventura win would be detrimental to Portugal’s image as a tolerant nation, but Graca believes it is precisely what the country needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chega party?
Chega, meaning “Enough,” is a far-right political party in Portugal founded seven years ago by Andre Ventura.
What is Andre Ventura’s position in the upcoming presidential election?
Andre Ventura is in the second round of the presidential run-off vote on February 8, making him the first populist candidate in Portuguese history to reach this stage.
What role does tourism play in the Algarve’s economy?
Tourism fuels much of the Algarve’s economy, but it also contributes to rising housing prices and the cost of living.
As Portugal heads toward a pivotal election, the question remains: will the allure of change outweigh the risks of embracing a new political direction?
