The Rise of Chega and Parliamentary Shifts
Lisbon, Portugal – July 2025
In the May 2025 legislative elections, the centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD), led by Luís Montenegro, won with 31.8% of votes (91 seats), but without a majority ElHuffPost+9Wikipedia+9Reuters+9.
The conservative Chega party, led by André Ventura, surged to 60 seats (~22.8%), becoming the main opposition force portugalimmigrationnews.com+12Wikipedia+12The European Conservative+12. AD and Chega together now control well over two-thirds of parliament, enabling major legislative changes without needing PS support .
This new arithmetic forced PM Montenegro to seek explicit cooperation with Chega, especially on immigration policy. Critics warn this alliance represents a dangerous shift in democratic norms The Portugal News+15El País+15The European Conservative+15
Strategic Alliance: AD + Chega on Immigration
On July 2025, PM Montenegro and Chega sealed a formal pact focusing on immigration and nationality reforms. Though Chega is not part of the government, its political stances now frame the government’s agenda
The agreement includes:
- Tougher visa requirements
- Restrictions on family reunification
- Reform of nationality law
- Creation of a new border policing body (UNEF) integrated into the PSP (Public Security Police) Wikipedia+2El País+2The Portugal News+2ElHuffPost+1Cadena SER+1
The left’s reaction was scathing, describing the approach as a capitulation to far‑right rhetoric and a betrayal of democratic values
1. Creation of UNEF: National Unit on Foreigners & Bordershin 20 days, these measures are slated for application starting late summer 2025 .
From SEF to AIMA: Migrant Backlog Following SEF’s abolition in October 2023, the newly created AIMA inherited 400,000–460,000 pending cases, causing delays in processing residence permits and visas
Though expired permits were temporarily extended through June 2025, many still face prolonged uncertainty. This administrative paralysis has spurred public pressure and political blame games .
End of the “Expression of Interest” Route
In mid‑2025, the regime allowing undocumented migrants to apply for residency via work and tax contributions (“manifestação de interesse”) was permanently revoked.
Only those who were registered and contributing before June 3, 2024, qualify for a transitional window until December 31, 2025. New entrants must now secure valid job contracts before entering Portuga
Political Landscape & Election Backdrop