Vila Verde, Portugal, Feb. 2, 2026 (Lusa) - Presidential candidate André Ventura said on Sunday that the government's response and support programme for areas affected by bad weather is a "complete failure", accusing the government of "making fun of people".

Before participating in a campaign event in Vila Verde, in the district of Braga, André Ventura considered that the support programme announced by the Government on Sunday was "a complete failure on the part of the government".

The presidential candidate considered that the government is "mocking people" in its prevention work, the delay in mobilising the military, and the support measures it announced.

"When you set limits of €500 or €530 to help people, this can only be mocking the population," he said.

André Ventura was referring to the cabinet's support for families in need or those who have lost their income, who will be able to access social security support of up to €537 per person or €1,075 per household.

Speaking to journalists, André Ventura focused mainly on these figures, giving the impression that this would be the support to which people who "lost everything" would be entitled, considering that reconstruction "cannot be [with] support of €500 or €1,000".

However, according to the cabinet, support for the reconstruction of uninsured permanent homes will be up to €10,000.

In view of the support announced, the presidential candidate considered that "it would have been better for the government to have remained silent today", accusing the government led by Luís Montenegro of giving a response that fell far short of what was needed.

"When I have the opportunity [to speak to the prime minister], I will say that I think this is one of the darkest and most disastrous days in the history of this government," he stressed.

JGA/ADB // ADB.

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