Portugal far-right leader helped off stage after feeling unwell
Portugal's far-right leader Andre Ventura being helped off the stage during a speech at a campaign dinner on May 13. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
Portugal's far-right leader Andre Ventura falls ill during a rally as part of the electoral campaign for the legislative elections in Tavira, Portugal, on May 13. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
TAVIRA, Portugal - Portugal's far-right leader Andre Ventura was helped off the stage during a speech at a campaign dinner on May 13, sparking concerns about his health before a snap election due to take place on May 18.
The 42-year-old Mr Ventura brought his hands to his chest and neck after freezing mid-speech before members of his party helped him off stage at about 9.10pm in Tavira, southern Portugal, according to footage broadcast by television station RTP3.
He was immediately taken to an ambulance outside the venue where the party dinner was taking place.
'Our leader had a problem that we still can't evaluate,' Mr Pedro Pinto, Chega's parliamentary leader, said in comments broadcast by RTP3. 'But he is well and has spoken to us.'
Portugal will hold its third early election in just over three years on May 18, after Parliament toppled prime minister Luis Montenegro's centre-right minority government in a confidence vote in March. The latest polls show the ruling AD coalition leading the opposition Socialist party by a narrow margin. They also show Chega is likely to remain the third-largest group in parliament. BLOOMBERG
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