Chega, racism and nativism in Portugal: An interview with Isabel David and Samuel de Paiva Pires.

This article focuses on the rise and discursive strategies of Chega, a populist radical-right political party founded in 2019 in Portugal, which challenges the country's prior reputation for resisting such movements. Political scientists Isabel David and Samuel de Paiva Pires analyze how Chega employs racism and nativism—particularly targeting the Roma community—through mechanisms of in-group/out-group opposition, blame attribution, and emotional triggers to build its voter base. They discuss Chega's rapid electoral growth, its influence on Portuguese politics, and its use of social media and identity politics, while situating the party within broader European far-right trends and highlighting its unique Portuguese context. The scholars also reflect on the implications of Chega's rise for social cohesion, political polarization, and the challenges faced by traditional parties in countering populist rhetoric.