The presidential elections in Portugal are approaching, with the first round scheduled for Sunday, January 18. Andre Ventura, the leader of the extremist party Chega, is the favorite in the polls.

Although Andre Ventura has reduced chances in the second round, scheduled for February 8, his qualification would mark an important stage in his electoral rise. Other candidates, such as the socialist Antonio Jose Seguro and the liberal Joao Cotrim Figueiredo, could be his opponents in the final. Additionally, Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo, known for the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, and the liberal MEP Cotrim Figueiredo have chances to advance.

Even a defeat in the second round could strengthen the image of the Chega party. In the context where the president has more of a symbolic power, the result of these elections could significantly influence the minority government led by Luis Montenegro, which depends on Chega's support to implement its program.