Lisbon, Portugal – A Portuguese lawmaker is facing serious allegations of vote buying involving members of a neo-Nazi group, raising concerns about the far-right Chega party’s connections to extremist elements. The accusations, leveled by a defendant in a separate case, center on Rui Afonso, a Chega deputy representing Porto, and allege he secured votes in internal party elections through illicit means. The claims come amidst growing scrutiny of the party’s ties to the “Grupo 1143,” a dismantled neo-Nazi organization.
Tirso Faria, coordinator of the Santo Tirso cell of Grupo 1143, led by the imprisoned Mário Machado, told the Portuguese newspaper Público that Afonso allegedly recruited members of the group into the Chega party and then compensated them for their votes in internal elections. This accusation adds another layer to a developing scandal involving the Chega party and its alleged reliance on individuals with extremist ideologies. The allegations are particularly sensitive given the Chega party’s increasing prominence in Portuguese politics, currently holding three seats in the Assembly of the Republic.
Allegations of Vote Buying and Security Detail
The accusations against Rui Afonso extend beyond alleged vote buying. Members of Grupo 1143 have also claimed that the deputy requested their services as a personal security detail during a Chega-organized anti-immigration demonstration in Lisbon on September 29, 2024. According to reports from SIC Noticias, Afonso allegedly asked the group to travel with him to the capital to provide protection during the rally, which drew approximately three thousand participants. SIC Noticias reported that five buses were chartered by the Chega party for the event, with a significant portion transporting members of the ultranationalist movement.
André Silva, a member of Grupo 1143, recounted to SIC Noticias that Afonso “asked for our presence to ensure and act as bodyguards. I have proof of this, I was next to that deputy to ensure the security of that person.” Gil Costa, the leader of Grupo 1143 following Machado’s arrest, corroborated Silva’s account, stating that Afonso was escorted by the group upon arrival in Lisbon and later contacted them for transport back to Porto. “When we arrived in Lisbon, he left the bus and was guided by us, we made a [security] box until he reached the other deputies,” Costa added.
However, Rui Afonso has vehemently denied all allegations. He claims he never invited any group to provide security at the demonstration and asserts he was unaware of the individuals’ affiliation with Grupo 1143, stating they were not visibly identified as such. This denial contrasts with video footage from inside the bus showing Afonso conversing with both Silva and Costa, as reported by SIC Noticias.
Chega Party’s Connections to Grupo 1143
The allegations against Afonso are not isolated incidents. The Chega party has faced increasing scrutiny regarding its connections to Grupo 1143. CMJornal reports that the party’s records present payment for the rental of a bus destined for the Lisbon anti-immigration demonstration, which was filled with members of Grupo 1143. The bus rental was reportedly managed by the Porto district of Chega, led by Deputy Rui Afonso, who traveled with the neo-Nazis to the demonstration.
Further complicating matters, three Chega militants were arrested in January 2026 on charges related to inciting hatred, according to Jornal de Notícias via PressReader. The arrests highlight the ongoing concerns about extremist elements within the party’s ranks. The Chega party, founded in 2019 by André Ventura, has capitalized on anti-establishment sentiment and concerns about immigration, steadily gaining support in recent years.
Ventura’s Response and Party Leadership
André Ventura, the leader of the Chega party, has so far refrained from directly addressing the allegations concerning Rui Afonso’s travel arrangements with members of Grupo 1143. This silence has fueled criticism from opposition parties, who are demanding a thorough investigation into the matter. The Socialist Party and the Social Democratic Party have called for Afonso to be suspended from his parliamentary duties pending the outcome of any investigation.
The accusations against Afonso and the broader concerns about the Chega party’s connections to extremist groups come at a critical juncture in Portuguese politics. With the next general election scheduled for 2027, the Chega party is poised to potentially play a kingmaker role, potentially influencing the formation of the next government. The unfolding scandal could significantly impact the party’s electoral prospects and its ability to gain broader acceptance within the Portuguese political landscape.
Implications for Portuguese Politics
The allegations against Rui Afonso and the Chega party’s links to Grupo 1143 raise fundamental questions about the boundaries of acceptable political discourse and the potential for extremist ideologies to infiltrate mainstream politics. The accusations of vote buying, if proven true, would represent a serious breach of electoral integrity and could have significant legal consequences for those involved. The incident also underscores the challenges faced by European democracies in addressing the rise of far-right and extremist movements.
The Portuguese government has yet to formally comment on the allegations, but the Prosecutor General’s Office is reportedly reviewing the evidence presented by Tirso Faria and other witnesses. A formal investigation could be launched in the coming weeks, potentially leading to further arrests and legal proceedings. The outcome of any investigation will likely have far-reaching implications for the Chega party and the broader Portuguese political system.
The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the investigation progresses. The allegations against Rui Afonso and the Chega party serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in safeguarding democratic institutions and combating extremism.
The next key development is expected to be a statement from the Prosecutor General’s Office regarding whether a formal investigation will be launched. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and engage in constructive dialogue in the comments section below.