Portuguese far-right leader taken to hospital after second collapse

Portugal's far-right leader André Ventura collapsed during a rally in Odemira on Thursday, prompting hospitalization due to an esophageal spasm linked to gastric reflux and high blood pressure. The incident followed a previous collapse in Faro, highlighting growing internal dissent within his Chega party, which now faces allegations of fraud, drink driving, and illegal acts involving minors. Despite its political significance, Chega remains trailing the ruling Democratic Alliance (AD) and Socialist party (PS) in Portugal's third snap election, with Prime Minister S Paollucci refusing to include Ventura in any government.