Mozambican opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane has met with Portugal’s far-right Chega party leader Andre Ventura, raising eyebrows over potential political cooperation between the two groups.
The meeting, held in Lisbon, was described by Mondlane as an effort to “bring positions closer together” and explore synergies on national identity and immigration.
Mondlane, who leads the National Alliance for a Free and Autonomous Mozambique (Anamalala) and is a former presidential candidate, said the two delegations agreed “to defend the sense of belonging of each citizen to his motherland, as well as the development of the identity of each people.”
Chega, founded in 2019 by Ventura, is known for its anti-immigration stance, nationalist rhetoric and controversial positions on immigration, race and religion.
The party surged to third place in Portugal’s 2024 parliamentary elections, securing 18 percent of the vote and 50 seats, but remains politically isolated due to its extremist views.
Ventura has previously faced fines for discriminatory remarks against Romani communities and has expressed support for far-right figures such as Donald Trump.
Mondlane’s outreach to Chega has sparked criticism in Mozambique where some observers accuse him of aligning with colonialist ideologies.
JN/APA