American expat living in Portugal here. The chega party is indeed on the rise here, but politics are less about personal identity and more focused on issues. A lot of chega’s rise has been attributed to dissatisfaction with the status quo and a warning shot to the incumbent government. Time will tell which direction things go, but the affordability of housing and low wages top the list of concerns.
Howdy, neighbor! Am also an American expat living in Portugal. We've been living in Lisbon for about a year, and so far I really love it here. People are friendly, the vibe is relaxed, and life is peaceful with a glass of inexpensive wine never far away. Highly recommend anyone looking for an exit plan to consider sunny Portugal.
So far, there are no indications of the far-right gaining any amount of power with which they could govern. In a broader sense there have been a number of rightwing victories across Europe, but thus far Portugal (and Spain next door) don't look poised to join that trend.
I am Portuguese. You are delusional if you think the far right won't be in government soon.
Of course you are an American expat in Lisbon, so I assume you are living a life that's likely not very connected to local concerns. I assure you, Chega is growing like hell. I am not a supporter, I just see it.
Expats and the ballooning cost of housing is a part of it. The fact that you moved to Lisbon will have the victory of the far right here as a second order effect. Think about that.
