Chega party adopts Bolsonaro-style strategy to attract evangelical voters

The Portuguese political party Chega is attempting to replicate the political strategy used by the Bolsonaro family in Brazil to secure support from evangelical voters. While Chega leader André Ventura is a practicing Catholic, the party has maintained proximity to evangelical fringes since its inception.

To expand this influence, Chega is utilizing a movement of conservative women led by deputy Rita Matias. This group includes several Brazilian evangelicals and aims to bridge the gap between the party and the growing evangelical population in Portugal. This demographic growth is partially driven by Brazilian immigration, with 65% of newly established churches in Portugal being led by Brazilian missionaries.

The strategy seeks to leverage the organizational power and financial resources of evangelical churches. Critics note a contradiction in the movement, as it promotes political participation for women while simultaneously advocating for traditionalist values that emphasize domestic roles and male authority.