Albufeira Mayor Rui Cristina charged with discrimination and incitement to hatred

The Public Ministry has charged Rui Cristina, the Mayor of Albufeira and a member of the Chega party, with discrimination and incitement to hatred and violence. The charges stem from statements made during a Municipal Assembly meeting on November 26, 2025, regarding housing policies and municipal land.

According to the prosecution, Cristina stated that the municipality would not spend money on housing for a specific group of local citizens belonging to a minority ethnic group, justifying this by claiming the group does not pay taxes. The Public Ministry argues these comments were intended to offend the honor of the community, promote social inferiority, and stimulate aversion and hatred.

Rui Cristina has responded to the charges by stating he is “tranquil” and maintains his convictions. He characterized his remarks as political statements made within a political body rather than attacks on individuals. Cristina claims he is being “persecuted” for defending equal treatment and opportunity, asserting that municipal housing should be distributed based on common criteria for all residents rather than being designated for specific ethnic groups.