Portugal’s Presidential Election Signals Rising Populist Tide in Europe

Portugal is at a crossroads with a record-breaking 11 candidates vying for the presidency, but the spotlight falls on André Ventura, leader of the Chega party. This populist force, championing restrictive immigration policies and nationalist rhetoric, has rapidly transformed Portugal’s political landscape—a trend that rings alarm bells for America and its allies prioritizing secure borders and national sovereignty.Is Portugal Becoming Europe’s Next Populist Stronghold?Just six years after its founding, Chega has surged to become the second-largest party in Parliament, riding a wave of public frustration over immigration and economic pressures. Ventura’s blunt messages—such as “This isn’t Bangladesh” billboards condemning welfare...