Portuguese MEPs concerned about the far-right

Portuguese MEPs discussed the rise of far-right populism in the EU, highlighting differing strategies to protect democracy. Concerns were raised about the influence of radical right parties in upcoming elections in major European countries. Socialist MEP Ana Catarina Mendes emphasized strengthening the welfare state to combat populism, while Social Democrat Paulo Cunha pointed to successful EU actions against Hungary's democratic backsliding. Liberal MEP Ana Vasconcelos expressed worries about the AfD in Germany, contrasting it with Marine Le Pen's situation in France. Communist MEP João Oliveira stressed the need to address economic and social issues to counter extremist narratives. Chega and Bloco de Esquerda did not participate in the discussion.