A right-wing politician in Portugal clutched his chest and collapsed during a campaign speech. “The leader of Portugal’s third largest party fell ill while speaking at a rally in Tavira in the Algarve,” Euronews stated. “Hospital sources say he suffered an oesophageal spasm associated with a spike in blood pressure,” it added. WATCH: André Ventura sentiu-se mal e levou a mão ao peito enquanto discursava num comício em Tavira esta noite. O presidente do Chega foi prontamente assistido, rodeado por seguranças e retirado do palco. pic.twitter.com/uLbSjCYc1n — Mundo Vivo (@mundo__vivo) May 13, 2025 Full text translated: André Ventura felt unwell and clutched his chest while speaking at a rally in Tavira tonight. The Chega president was promptly assisted, surrounded by security, and removed from the stage. Per Euronews: Portuguese right-wing politician André Ventura has been discharged from hospital, a day after falling ill during a campaign rally ahead of Sunday’s election. The leader of Chega, a hard-right party whose popularity has surged in recent years, was speaking in Tavira in the Algarve on Tuesday evening when he started to feel unwell. Ventura was rushed to hospital in Faro, where he spent the night as a precaution. Before being discharged on Wednesday morning, he thanked staff for the care he had received. “Timing couldn’t be worse—Portugal’s snap election is this Sunday, and Ventura’s party has been gaining momentum in polls. His sudden health scare five days before voting raises questions about campaign continuity. Cameras captured the moment Ventura appeared to struggle, though details about his condition remain unclear. Party officials haven’t released any health updates,” Mario Nawfal wrote. “Portugal’s right-wing has been surging across Europe, and Ventura’s unexpected medical episode could shake up an already volatile election landscape. Portuguese voters go to the polls Sunday with one major question mark on the ballot,” he added. PORTUGAL'S RIGHT-WING LEADER ANDRE VENTURA COLLAPSES MID-SPEECH—HANDS TO CHEST AS ELECTION LOOMS Andre Ventura froze during a campaign dinner Tuesday, clutching his chest and neck before staff rushed him off stage in Tavira. The 42-year-old leader of Portugal's far-right… https://t.co/fW9uS9ezB6 pic.twitter.com/RhfzMmmt3d — Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 14, 2025 From The Straits Times: “Our leader had a problem that we still can’t evaluate,” Mr Pedro Pinto, Chega’s parliamentary leader, said in comments broadcast by RTP3. “But he is well and has spoken to us.” Portugal will hold its third early election in just over three years on May 18, after Parliament toppled prime minister Luis Montenegro’s centre-right minority government in a confidence vote in March. The latest polls show the ruling AD coalition leading the opposition Socialist party by a narrow margin. They also show Chega is likely to remain the third-largest group in parliament.