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André Ventura Secures Major Victory in Madeira's Presidential Elections

Madeira GuideMadeira Guide
January 19, 2026
3 min read

André Ventura, leader of the Chega party, claimed a significant victory in Madeira's presidential elections, securing over 33% of the vote. This marks a substantial increase from his previous performance, positioning him as a dominant political figure in the region.

In a decisive win for the Chega party, André Ventura emerged as the leading candidate in Madeira's recent presidential elections. Ventura, known for his right-wing stance, captured 33.42% of the votes, translating to 44,862 ballots cast in his favor. This victory marks a remarkable increase of 34,220 votes compared to his performance five years ago.

The elections saw Ventura outperform other candidates across all 11 municipalities of Madeira, highlighting his widespread appeal and support. His closest competitor, António José Seguro, trailed behind with 22.79% of the vote, amounting to 30,593 votes—a difference of 14,269 votes.

Five years ago, during the previous presidential election, Ventura managed to secure only 9.85% of the votes in Madeira, significantly less than the dominant 72.16% achieved by then-President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Ventura's recent success underscores a shift in the political landscape of Madeira, reflecting broader national trends of rising support for radical right figures.

Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, has historically been a stronghold for centrist and left-leaning parties. Ventura's win indicates a potential change in political dynamics, suggesting an increasing receptiveness to right-leaning ideologies among the electorate.

As Madeira continues to attract tourists for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, local political shifts could influence not only regional governance but also broader public policies impacting tourism and development. Observers are keenly watching how Ventura's leadership might shape the future political and economic landscape of Madeira.

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Madeira Guide

Madeira Guide

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