Portugal is expected to embrace radical far-right parties for the first time today as voters head to the polls in a general election.
Nearly 11 million voters are being asked to cast their ballots in snap elections triggered by a corruption scandal that brought down the Socialist government in November.
If, as expected, there is no clear winner in the contest, far-right Chega may assume the role of kingmaker, making Portugal the latest European country where the far right has emerged as a significant political force.
In Spain, France and Italy, far-right parties have moved from the political fringes to center stage.
André Ventura, a former TV sports commentator who later became leader of the Chega (Enough) party, initially rose to prominence by denouncing immigrants. His populist message stems from anti-immigration sentiment, anger over a series of corruption scandals and frustration with low wages.
It has worked. When voters return to the polls in 2022, Chega’s support increased from 1 seat in the 2019 election to 12 seats. The latest polls suggest that number could more than double this time in the 230-seat parliament.
An influx of real estate investors and tourists looking for short-term rentals has fueled public anger over low wages and a cost-of-living crisis, driving up home prices.
Meanwhile, the average monthly wage in Portugal, traditionally one of Europe’s poorest countries, is €1,500 (£1,277). Nearly three million Portuguese workers earn less than €1,000 (£851) a month.
Divisions within the traditional center-right party have increased support for Chega, with polls predicting it will become the third largest party.
Ventura said he would abandon controversial policies including castration and life imprisonment for sex offenders if given a seat in the coalition government.
Antonio Costa Pinto, political analyst at the University of Lisbon, said I: “Chega made a breakthrough because of the crisis in right-wing politics in Portugal. People were not satisfied with the traditional right-wing parties, so they voted for Chega.”
The election was held after former Socialist Prime Minister Antonio Costa resigned over a corruption scandal involving his chief of staff related to green energy contracts. Mr. Costa was not implicated.
The centre-right Social Democrats have also been embarrassed by a corruption scandal that led to the ouster of two senior party officials.
Against this backdrop, there has been an increase in racist attacks against immigrants from Asia and the former colony of Brazil.
The number of foreigners has doubled since 2018, when the number of foreigners living in Portugal increased from 500,000 to 1 million last year, according to government data.
Brazilians are the largest group, with 400,000 registered, followed by Britons and other Europeans.
However, the numbers of Indians, Nepalis, Bangladeshis and Pakistanis have also increased dramatically.
With its population aging, Portugal relaxed its laws in 2022 to allow immigrants looking for work to obtain six-month visas.
Their popularity, especially in rural areas, has prompted racist attacks from some parts of society unaccustomed to foreigners.
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