Lisbon, Portugal – A Portuguese parliamentary deputy from the Chega party is facing scrutiny following accusations that he purchased votes from members of a now-disbanded neo-Nazi group. The allegations, leveled by an individual currently facing charges related to the group’s activities, threaten to further destabilize Portuguese politics and raise serious questions about the connections between far-right political movements and extremist ideologies. The case centers around Rui Afonso, a Chega party leader in Porto, and the group known as 1143, which was dismantled by Portuguese authorities in January.
The accusations, first reported by the Portuguese newspaper Público, claim that Afonso actively recruited members of 1143 into the Chega party, providing financial incentives in exchange for their votes. This alleged scheme reportedly occurred during internal party elections, specifically the contest for the leadership of the Porto district in September 2023. The allegations come as Portugal grapples with rising concerns about far-right extremism and the potential for political violence. The timing of these claims, just months after the dismantling of 1143, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
The core of the controversy lies in the testimony of Tirso Faria, identified as the coordinator of the Santo Tirso cell of the 1143 group. Faria, himself an accused in the ongoing investigation, alleges that Afonso “inscribed dozens of members [of 1143] into the party, paid their membership dues for months, and provided them with funds to go and vote.” He estimates the total amount involved to be between 3,500 and 3,800 euros. This claim is further supported by Artur Carvalho, a former aide to Afonso in the Porto district, who reportedly told Público that over one hundred members of 1143 and other similar groups may have been brought into the party with payments exceeding 3,500 euros.
Operation Irmandade and the Rise of 1143
The accusations against Afonso stem from the broader investigation known as “Operation Irmandade” (Brotherhood), launched by the Portuguese Judiciary Police (PJ). In January 2026, the PJ arrested 37 individuals and identified another 15 as suspects, alleging crimes including discrimination, incitement to hatred and violence, aggravated threats and coercion, qualified physical assault, and illegal possession of weapons. RTP News reported that the investigation revealed a network actively preparing for potential violence, even suggesting plans for a “paramilitary” structure in anticipation of a supposed “racial war.”
The 1143 group, according to Portuguese authorities, was allegedly preparing actions intended to provoke a reaction from the Muslim community in Portugal, including planned offenses against the Prophet Muhammad scheduled for 2026. The group was reportedly led by Mário Machado, who continued to exert influence even from prison, where he is currently serving a sentence for previous convictions related to discrimination and incitement to hatred. Following the January raids, five individuals linked to 1143 were detained pending further investigation, while 32 others were released under various conditions, including weekly reporting to police. Expresso reported that the digital evidence seized during the operation is now being analyzed and is expected to play a crucial role in clarifying the extent of the group’s activities and connections.
Chega Party and Allegations of Extremist Ties
The allegations against Rui Afonso and the broader investigation into 1143 have ignited a political firestorm in Portugal, with opposition parties calling for a thorough investigation and raising questions about the Chega party’s alleged links to extremist groups. António Garcia Pereira, a lawyer, has repeatedly sought the dissolution of the Chega party, arguing that its ideology is inherently racist and fascist. In February 2026, Pereira cited the alleged connections to 1143, as well as previous incidents involving the party’s leader, André Ventura, and controversial anti-Roma rhetoric, as justification for his demand. According to Público, Pereira initially filed a complaint with the Public Prosecutor’s Office in October 2025, requesting legal action to dissolve the Chega party based on its alleged constitutional violations.
Chega, which has experienced growing support in recent years, has consistently denied any association with extremist groups. The party has positioned itself as a conservative and nationalist force, advocating for stricter immigration policies and a stronger national identity. However, critics argue that its rhetoric often borders on xenophobia and that it has provided a platform for individuals with extremist views. The current allegations against Afonso, if proven true, would represent a significant blow to the party’s credibility and could have far-reaching consequences for its future.
Afonso himself has previously faced accusations of relying on members of 1143 for personal security, claims he has vehemently denied. The latest allegations, however, go further, suggesting a deliberate and systematic effort to manipulate internal party elections through illicit means. The Portuguese political landscape is now closely watching how these accusations will unfold and what impact they will have on the Chega party and the broader political debate in the country.
The investigation is ongoing, and Portuguese authorities have not yet released a definitive statement on the veracity of the allegations against Rui Afonso. However, the testimony of Tirso Faria and Artur Carvalho, coupled with the broader context of Operation Irmandade, has created a significant political and legal challenge for the Chega party. The next key development in this case is expected to be the analysis of the digital evidence seized by the PJ, which authorities hope will provide further clarity on the extent of the alleged vote-buying scheme and the connections between Afonso and the 1143 group.
As Portugal navigates this complex situation, the case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by far-right extremism and the importance of safeguarding democratic processes. The outcome of this investigation will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the Portuguese political landscape and could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
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