Women waring burqas. Photo: Shutterstock Portugal: CHEGA Party Stirs Controversy with New Ban on Burqas.
On Friday, October 17, 2025, the Portuguese parliament approved a controversial law that bans the wearing of burqas and niqabs in public spaces. The legislation, introduced by the far-right CHEGA party, received backing from centrist right-wing parties, including the PSD and Iniciativa Liberal. Proposed penalties range from 200 to 4,000 euros, and the law prohibits face coverings in public spaces, except on planes, places of worship, and diplomatic grounds.
The announcement made by the party on its X platform sparked public outrage. The message reads:
“Women in Portugal should be free, today CHEGA made that happen. Those who disagree can return to their country; there is no place for them here!”
This statement drew furious responses from political groups and human rights organizations, who claimed it was a discriminatory and racist statement. On the other hand, party supporters argue that the move is intended to protect women's freedom and prevent religious coercion.
If the law is finally approved, Portugal will join countries like France, Australia, Belgium, and the Netherlands, where there are restrictions on face coverings in public spaces, all against the backdrop of the growing trend of Islamic conversion in Europe