The Portuguese government is reportedly preparing to deport 18,000 foreign nationals just ahead of the upcoming general elections. According to officials, Portugal is planning to send back foreign residents who are living in the country irregularly.
Portugal is set to hold a midterm election on May 18. During the election campaign, Minister António Leitão Amaro announced that the government would issue orders for nearly 18,000 foreigners to leave the country, as reported by news agency AP. The minister said a notice would be issued for this process.
The operation is expected to begin next week. Initially, around 4,500 foreign nationals will be asked to leave Portugal voluntarily. They will be given 20 days to comply with the order. The campaign will continue in subsequent phases.
Immigration a Key Issue
Immigration has become a central issue in Portugal. There is growing demand for strengthening deportation procedures for those who enter the country irregularly. According to Euronews, Minister António Leitão Amaro also addressed this matter last week. He criticized Portugal’s current deportation system as ineffective and said it needs to be reviewed.
According to him, Portugal is one of the three European countries with the lowest number of deportations. Most of the individuals targeted for deportation are those who have violated the law.
The Rise of Right-Wing Politics in Portugal
Like many other European countries, Portugal is witnessing a surge in right-wing ideologies. Experts note that growing sentiments of right-wing nationalism and populism are influencing national politics. In the March 2024 election, the far-right Chega party gained significant traction, securing 18 percent of the vote and becoming the third-largest party in Portugal.
Established in 2019, the party has quickly built a notable base. Its leader, André Ventura, has been accused of promoting racist and Islamophobic views.
According to Politico magazine, Ventura’s rise in politics has been driven by his extreme proposals. For example, in 2020, the Chega party introduced a bill proposing chemical castration as a punishment for sexual crimes, particularly those against children. However, Portugal’s Superior Council of the Judiciary ruled that the proposal was unconstitutional and rejected it.
Political Instability
The Chega party has consistently called for stricter immigration policies. Critics, however, accuse the party of opposing immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community. It has also faced accusations of targeting the Roma community.
Many analysts believe the growing strength of the far-right is largely due to ongoing political instability. The May 18 election will be the third midterm election in three years.
Additionally, Portugal’s two major parties—the Socialist Party (PS) and the Social Democratic Party (PSD)—have both faced corruption allegations. In this context, Chega’s promise to overhaul the existing political system is gaining appeal among many voters.
