Ventura slams opposition’s “courage schizophrenia” as Chega’s censure motion looms
André Ventura accused opposition parties of lacking courage over Chega’s planned censure motion against Interior Minister Luís Neves, saying decency underpins democracy.
During a Chega gathering in the Lisbon district municipality of Loures, party president André Ventura denounced opposition parties for displaying what he termed a “courage schizophrenia” over the party’s upcoming motion of censure targeting Interior Minister Luís Neves. Ventura argued that the debate transcends ordinary political disagreement, framing it as a matter of basic decency essential for democracy and freedom.
He explained that, unlike Spain, Portugal has no parliamentary mechanism to dismiss a minister, so the motion can only aim to force the government’s resignation. The censure vote is set for next Tuesday and analysts expect it to fail. Ventura also questioned why Neves’ situation is treated differently from the Spinumviva real-estate scandal linked to Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, which previously sparked similar motions that were also rejected. He reiterated that the continuation of Neves in office represents a capture of state institutions.
