Portugal is heading to the polls this Sunday (8th) to elect a new president, with left-wing candidate António José Seguro competing against far-right contender André Ventura in the first runoff in 40 years. Opinion polls indicate that Seguro is expected to win, yet many Brazilian expatriates in Portugal are anxious about a possible Ventura victory, who advocates for stricter immigration policies. This anxiety reflects broader concerns among immigrants who fear the implication of such policies on their lives.

Several Brazilians interviewed, including Letícia Bergamo, a long-term resident of Portugal, voiced their disquiet over the election's outcome. Bergamo emphasized that the prevailing atmosphere among immigrants in Portugal is one of fear and uncertainty, arguing that both Portuguese nationals and immigrants should not live in such conditions. She believes they deserve hope for a better future rather than being engulfed by anxiety regarding immigration controls that could dramatically alter their situation.

The situation is critical as the election could set a precedent for immigration policy in Portugal, a country that has been known for its relatively welcoming stance towards immigrants in recent years. The responses from the Brazilian community underline the personal stakes involved in this election, highlighting the intersection of national politics with the lives of foreign residents who are anxious about their status and rights should a hardline stance take hold.