Portugal's abrasive far-right leader tipped for surprise poll gain

FILE PHOTO: Far right political party Chega leader Andre Ventura talks to the news media during a campaign event for the snap elections, in Faro, Portugal, January 25, 2022. Picture taken January 25, 2022. REUTERS/Pedro Nunes

FARO, Portugal (Reuters) - Standing near the Algarve hotel where Portugal's growing far-right party hosted a recent dinner, Roma community member Catia Montes trembled at the thought of it securing more power in Sunday's snap election.

"If the far-right rises, it is not just the Roma who will suffer...all Portuguese will," said Montes, 35, accusing Andre Ventura, leader of the populist Chega (Enough) party https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/portuguese-snap-election-points-rocky-road-ahead-2022-01-27, of scapegoating her people for political gain.