Chega leader André Ventura has rejected suggestions that the vandalism of his party's office was staged, according to Diário de Notícias. In comments reported on Tuesday, Ventura said violence cannot be accepted and accused the PSD and Livre parties of raising suspicions about Chega without providing evidence.
The reports follow a break-in at Ventura's office that has drawn competing accounts and questions over who should explain what happened. Ventura also insisted that Carneiro must have the "stomach" to confront Luís Neves, according to a social media post attributed to him.
Coverage of the case has widened beyond the initial incident. Observador asked whether the break-in at Ventura's office had effectively become a state secret, while Contra Prova raised the question of who bears the obligation to explain the break-in at the Parliament. A parliamentary committee has issued an opinion allowing Ventura to testify in writing about the alleged invasion of his office, according to nowcanal.pt.
Ventura's response, as reported by Diário de Notícias, frames the dispute as a political one, with the Chega leader arguing that his opponents are casting doubt on his party without proof. The competing headlines suggest the episode has become a broader argument over transparency and accountability, not only a police matter.
What to watch next: whether Ventura submits his written testimony to the committee and how the PSD and Livre respond to his accusation that they spread unproven claims.