Portugal's Prime Minister Luis Montenegro backs interior minister Luis Neves against Chega claims

Prime Minister Luis Montenegro affirmed his full confidence in Interior Minister Luis Neves during the State of the Nation debate, rejecting Chega's accusations that Neves threatened party deputies. Montenegro said, "Se eu mantenho a confiança política no ministro da Administração Interna? Com certeza, senhor deputado, plenamente, plenamente," and added that the minister "não cometeu nenhuma ilegalidade" and will be subject to democratic scrutiny.

Chega leader André Ventura has alleged that Neves said "vais pagá-las" to him in a parliamentary exchange on 27 May, claiming the minister threatened the opposition and journalists. Ventura announced he will convene the party's national bodies to discuss possible actions, including a potential motion of censure, but said no immediate demand for Neves' resignation would be made. He also expects a forthcoming conversation with Montenegro.

The dispute forms a central focus of the parliamentary debate, with Chega repeatedly criticizing Neves while the government maintains that the minister’s conduct does not warrant any legal or political sanction.