Chega

The Portuguese Enough (Chega) political party is a right-wing political entity in Portugal that emerged in the political landscape in 2019. Founded by André Ventura, a former soccer commentator and law professor, Chega has positioned itself as a populist, nationalist, and anti-establishment party, aiming to challenge the status quo of Portuguese politics. The party's name, "Chega," translates to "Enough," symbolizing its foundational stance against what it perceives as the failures of the traditional political parties and systems in addressing the concerns…   of the Portuguese people.

Chega's values and political platform are centered around a strong stance on law and order, advocating for stricter criminal justice policies and a hardline approach to immigration. The party argues for the need to prioritize Portuguese citizens in social and economic policies, expressing skepticism towards multiculturalism and advocating for the assimilation of immigrants into Portuguese culture. Chega also voices significant criticism of the welfare state, proposing reforms aimed at reducing perceived abuses and focusing on helping those most in need.

Economically, Chega supports neoliberal policies, advocating for lower taxes, reduced government spending, and the privatization of certain public services to foster economic growth and job creation. The party also champions national sovereignty and is critical of the European Union's influence over Portuguese legislation and policy, although it stops short of advocating for Portugal's exit from the EU.

Socially, Chega's values reflect conservative positions, including opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage, although these issues are not always at the forefront of its political agenda. Instead, the party tends to emphasize issues related to national identity, security, and the economy.

Chega's rise in Portuguese politics reflects broader trends in Europe, where populist and nationalist parties have gained traction by appealing to voters disillusioned with traditional political parties and concerned about issues such as immigration, national identity, and economic insecurity. Despite controversy and criticism from opponents who accuse it of xenophobia and extremism, Chega has managed to secure a foothold in the Portuguese Parliament, indicating a significant portion of the electorate resonates with its message and values.