As Portugal heads toward the crucial elections in May 2025, far-right parties are ramping up their anti-immigration rhetoric, using misleading statistics and fear tactics to sway voters. A widespread narrative falsely claims that all immigrants arriving in Portugal immediately receive state subsidies—an assertion that has been repeatedly debunked but continues to spread through social media and far-right political discourse.
The False Narrative of "Immigrant Subsidies"
Right-wing leaders, particularly André Ventura of Chega, have been at the forefront of this misinformation campaign. Ventura recently shared a video on Facebook portraying an immigrant receiving a total of 635 euros in social benefits, using this isolated case to generalize an entire population. His post claimed that "illegal immigrants enter our country not to work or contribute, but to live off subsidies paid by all of us." This claim, however, distorts the truth, as there are no automatic subsidies for newly arrived migrants.
Other far-right groups, such as Lusitana Resistance and the National Union, have amplified this misinformation, sharing inflammatory content that pits immigrants against native Portuguese citizens. One viral post falsely argued that "immigration is here to exploit the system," despite official data proving otherwise.
The Reality: Immigrants Contribute More Than They Receive
Contrary to far-right claims, Portugal's Ministry of Labor, Solidarity, and Social Security (MTSSS) has confirmed that there are no specific subsidies given to migrants upon arrival. Immigrants must first obtain a valid residence permit and meet strict eligibility criteria before applying for any form of social assistance—just like Portuguese citizens.
Moreover, statistics from 2024 show that foreign workers contributed 3.64 billion euros to Social Security, while receiving only 688 million euros in social benefits. This resulted in a positive net contribution of 2.96 billion euros, reinforcing the fact that immigrants help sustain Portugal’s welfare system rather than drain it.
Weaponizing Immigration for Political Gain
The far-right’s strategy is clear: create a scapegoat, fuel fear, and polarize society. By using selective cases and generalizing them to an entire population, these parties aim to shift the public's focus away from real issues—such as economic instability, corruption, and healthcare challenges—and instead blame immigrants for systemic failures.
This tactic is not new. It mirrors the disinformation campaign that spread during the Ukraine war, where right-wing factions falsely claimed that Ukrainian refugees were receiving preferential treatment over Portuguese citizens. In reality, EU funding covered the costs of refugee support, yet the narrative persisted, fueling resentment.
The Bigger Picture: A Call for Awareness
As Portugal prepares for the 2025 elections, voters must be vigilant against manipulative rhetoric designed to divide rather than inform. Immigration is not a burden but a crucial part of Portugal’s economy and workforce. The real issues—corruption, economic reforms, and social policies—deserve serious debate, not fabricated fear campaigns.
It is essential to challenge false narratives and demand political accountability. The future of Portugal should not be shaped by misinformation, but by facts and informed choices.