Chega as a case of accelerated convergence with the populist far right ba-sed on polarisation

Abstract

Nowadays the idea of an Iberian excepcionalism in relation to the presence of the institutional presence and political weight of extreme right-wing formations results far away. In the case of Chega, it has emerged as a leading actor after the early elections of 2024. It is thus a case of accelerated convergence with current European party systems. In the Portuguese case, the formation has converged both in terms of party format: leadership and communication, and in its polarising impact on the party system and the dynamics of party competition in the country. The article seeks to provide a general interpretative framework for such parties as well as to illustrate the Chega case both organisationally and in terms of its impact on the party system and electoral competition. In both cases polarisation is a common nexus and has a key role.