André Ventura, leader of Portugal’s right-wing Chega party, fell ill during a campaign rally in Odemira on Thursday, May 15th. The politician experienced chest pain and appeared faint. He was taken by emergency ambulance, accompanied by medical personnel.
Ventura was initially brought to the Basic Emergency Unit in Odemira, where he underwent an electrocardiogram (ECG). He was then transferred to the Hospital do Litoral Alentejano in Santiago do Cacém. Doctors have now confirmed he is in a stable condition but will be moved to Setúbal Hospital for further diagnostic tests.
The attending physician told reporters Ventura’s return to the campaign trail depends entirely on the results of the exams in Setúbal. For now, it remains unclear whether he will be able to resume public events before election day.
This is the second time this week Ventura has fallen ill. On Tuesday, while in Portimão, he reported similar symptoms.
Pedro Nuno Santos, leader of the Socialist Party (PS) and Ventura’s main political rival, wished him a speedy recovery, saying: “Campaigns are tough, they are intense, and we have to respect that.”
