Chega party keeps 60 MPs after deputy briefly quits

Leader André Ventura told reporters that Chega will continue to have 60 deputies and remain the official opposition in Portugal. He declined to comment on internal parliamentary matters, stressing the party’s parliamentary strength.

Deputy José Dias Fernandes announced on Wednesday that he intended to become a non‑inscribed member, effectively leaving the Chega parliamentary group, but retracted the request a few hours later after meeting with Ventura. Party officials confirmed he will stay with the bloc, preserving Chega’s 60 seats, the second‑largest force in the Assembly of the Republic.

The episode underscores the party’s stability after the 2024 elections, where it secured 60 seats despite receiving fewer votes than the Socialist Party.