Ventura advances Chega's candidacy for the presidential elections

Chega leader André Ventura announced this Tuesday that he would convene a National Council for the party tonight. The goal is to decide on the party's presidential candidate.

André Ventura called a National Council meeting for Friday to decide on his presidential candidacy. In a letter sent to the deputies, he stated that the party, following this veto of the Foreigners' Law, cannot fail to present a candidate.

For Ventura, Chega must present its candidate by September 15th

André Ventura wants to announce a Chega candidate for next year's presidential elections by Friday after "Pedro Passos Coelho's definitive refusal to step forward – and also a prestigious figure in the Justice system who embodies our anti-corruption values."

The Chega leader states, in a letter to MPs, that the “Party cannot be left out of them and must see itself in a candidate who represents our values”.

Read André Ventura's letter to the party's representatives on the subject:

"Dear comrades, good morning everyone. I hope you're having a good vacation. Please don't forget the mobilization on the 24th; it's very important that we have all districts and regions represented.

Meanwhile, I would also like to inform you that I have asked the Board to evaluate the call for a National Council for Friday, September 12th, starting at 9 pm in Lisbon.

The reason is the presidential elections. The Party cannot be left out of them and must identify with a candidate who represents our values. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa's recent veto of the foreigners' law clearly demonstrates the importance of these elections for Chega. On the other hand, we must not jeopardize everything we achieved in the last legislative elections and what we will achieve in these local elections.

After Pedro Passos Coelho's definitive refusal to step forward – and also that of a prestigious figure in the judiciary who embodies our anti-corruption values – we must listen to the Party and make a decision about what to do in these elections, which will take place in a few months.

I would like to urge everyone to participate in this reflection within the National Council, and I also requested that it be as open as possible to mayors, leaders, and party members. The decision of CHEGA's presidential candidate must be as consensual as possible.

I would like to announce by September 15th the Chega presidential candidate, or who we will support (if you accept it and only on that condition, of course).

Hugs to everyone and continue having a good vacation, if that’s the case”