This week in Portugal
Portugal's public services are under the spotlight, with the IHRU reportedly blocking Porta 65 Jovem housing support and the immigration agency (AIMA) owing over €200,000 to lawyers. The Bank of Portugal's 2026 profitability is threatened by the war in Iran, while the education sector faces teacher recruitment debates despite high OECD skill rankings. Meanwhile, the Portuguese President's state visit to Spain aimed to strengthen Iberian friendship.
About Portugal
Portugal, a nation steeped in maritime history and rich cultural heritage, captivates with its vibrant cities, picturesque coastline, and influential global legacy. As a stable democracy with a free and independent press, its media landscape, though smaller, offers a pluralistic environment reflecting diverse viewpoints and societal dynamics.
Visiting Portugal
Media landscape
Portugal boasts a free and independent press with a mix of public and private outlets, fostering a pluralistic media market. While smaller, it provides diverse news coverage.
While many Portuguese understand English, making an effort with basic Portuguese phrases is appreciated, and English-language news sources are available for international readers.
Sources we track 1
Red lines, not red carpets. Why we should support the suspension of the EU-Israel Agreement
- The EU faces a critical test on May 11 regarding its commitment to human rights and international law in relation to Israel. - The article urges the EU to suspend its Association Agreement with Isra…
Below the table, s.f.f.
- The article discusses the author's personal preference for eating a sweet item before a meal, a practice they term 'submesa'. - The author emphasizes the importance of readers to the newspaper 'PÚBL…
Larry David's lost pre-Seinfeld screenplay 'Prognosis: Negative' surfaces online
- The lost screenplay for Larry David's pre-Seinfeld film, "Prognosis: Negative," has been discovered and made available online. - The script, mentioned in "Seinfeld" episodes, was purchased on eBay b…
Portugal cracks down on cannabis gummies sold in vending machines
- Portugal's food safety authority (ASAE) is investigating the sale of cannabis-infused gummies, classifying them as unauthorized new foods. - ASAE has initiated 19 criminal cases and seized over 6,85…
Brazilian Mothers in Portugal Share How They Balance Parenthood and Entrepreneurship
- Brazilian women living in Portugal are balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, finding fulfillment in owning their businesses. - For some, like personal trainer Bianca Bastos and lawyer Maysa Gu…
RIP to Portugal's Binary Higher Education System, 1852-2026
- The article laments the impending end of Portugal's binary higher education system, established in 1852. - It draws a parallel to the 1975 extinction of technical education, which was later revived …
Where does a life without friction lead us?
- The article discusses the concept of a "frictionless life" and observes a scene in a cafe where a woman uses a delivery app to get food. - The scene depicts a seamless interaction between the custom…
Letters Debate Police Violence, National Identity, and US Imperial Language
- A letter to the editor discusses the serious implications of police violence within Lisbon PSP stations, suggesting a potential group involvement and a culture of brutality amplified by social media…
BE insists on new requests for access to opinions on gender identity law
- The Left Bloc in Portugal is demanding new parliamentary requests for access to opinions regarding the gender identity law. - These requests follow previous attempts by other parties to block hearin…
Accessibility for the disabled: less than a third of homes and public buildings have had work done
- Less than a third of planned accessibility improvements for disabled individuals in housing and public buildings have been completed under the Acessibilidades 360.º program. - Progress on public roa…
What's Next for Mobi.E? Portugal's EV Charging Network Faces Transition
- The future of Portugal's public electric vehicle charging network, Mobi.E, is discussed with its new president, António Veiga. - Mobi.E is expected to continue operating with new functions, offering…
Who Fits in the Socialist Party?
- Recent internal declarations within the Socialist Party (PS) have highlighted a growing divide, with calls for internal debate being displaced outside the party. - The article critiques the notion o…
The Future Begins Before We Discuss It
- The article discusses how impactful decisions often begin in discreet debates before reaching public forums. - It emphasizes that the strength and lifeblood of the newspaper Público come from its re…
SNS would benefit from following the English model, which has a greater mix of professionals
- A study by Planapp suggests the Portuguese National Health Service (SNS) could benefit from adopting a model similar to the UK's NHS. - The UK's system reportedly features a greater mix of healthcar…
AI in management: between virtue and vice
- Artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved from a leisure tool to a professional asset, aiding executives in decision-making. - The increasing integration of AI raises questions about the future of hu…
Executive Training Booms as Businesses Seek to Master AI
- The demand for executive training in Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly increasing. - Courses focus on practical applications of AI in management, addressing both its benefits and drawbacks. - …
Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Nears Tenerife; Political Dispute Erupts Over Handling
- A cruise ship suspected of being a hantavirus outbreak source is expected to dock in Granadilla port, Tenerife, in the coming days. - Spain's Health Minister confirmed Spanish passengers will be air…
Tiago Nacarato Explores Human Psychic Pain on His Fourth Album
- Portuguese singer-songwriter Tiago Nacarato's fourth album, "Não Sabia o Desamor," explores "human, not physical but psychic pains." - The album was inspired by the personal loss of his grandmother …
Brazilian Ad Guru Nizan Guanaes Launches AI Tool from Portugal
- Brazilian advertising legend Nizan Guanaes is launching an AI tool called Nizai, designed to share his decades of marketing knowledge. - Guanaes, 68, is strategically basing the development in Lisbo…
Toyota bZ4X Touring Arrives in Portugal This Month with More Space and Record Power
- Toyota is launching the bZ4X Touring, an electric SUV variant focused on versatility and family adventure, in Portugal this May. - The new model is 14 cm longer than the standard bZ4X, increasing ca…
Readers Criticize Público for Perceived Bias and Lack of Critical Engagement
- A reader expresses disappointment with the newspaper Público, citing a perceived shift towards the status quo in its political and social coverage. - The reader criticizes an article praising King C…
Sporting returns to winning ways and continues to eye Champions League spot
- Sporting CP secured a 5-1 victory over Vitória de Guimarães, ending a five-game winless streak. - The win brings Sporting closer to Benfica in the race for second place in the league, though they re…
President promulgates Nationality Law changes, desired broader consensus
- The President of Portugal has enacted a decree altering the Nationality Law, which was approved by several parties but lacked broader consensus. - The President emphasized that stricter criteria and…
Giant China's growing presence in small Portuguese-speaking Africa
- China's economic and technological presence is growing in Portuguese-speaking African nations like Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and São Tomé and Príncipe. - A study by Georgetown University and The Di…
Naval Association of Lisbon, founded by kings, sails and rows on the Tagus for 170 years
- The Naval Association of Lisbon (ANL), Portugal's oldest nautical club, is celebrating its 170th anniversary throughout the year. - Founded in 1856 as the Royal Naval Association under King Pedro V,…
Alex Zanardi, Former Formula 1 Driver and Paralympic Champion, Dies at 59
- Alex Zanardi, former Formula 1 driver and Paralympic champion, has died at the age of 59. - Zanardi lost both his legs in a racing accident in 2001 but went on to achieve significant success in para…
Supermarket food vs. restaurant dining: Is this competition fair?
- Supermarkets are increasingly offering ready-to-eat meals and in-store dining, expanding a trend that predates current economic pressures. - This growing competition from large retailers directly im…
Parque das Nações Housing Prices Soar. “I like living here, but this is an exaggeration”
- Housing prices in Parque das Nações, Lisbon, are experiencing a significant increase. - Residents express that while they enjoy living in the area, the current prices are considered excessive. - The…
The Problem Is Rarely Just Sugar
- Sugar has become a focal point in dietary discussions, often labeled as the primary villain in unhealthy eating habits. - This perception is fueled by simplified scientific evidence, fear, and media…
Fuel Prices in Portugal Set to Rise Next Week
- Fuel prices in Portugal are set to increase next week, with diesel expected to rise by 10 cents per liter and gasoline by 6.5 cents. - The National Association of Fuel Retailers (Anarec) predicts th…
President Criticizes Precariousness: "Work Must Compensate"
- The President of Portugal, António José Seguro, marked International Workers' Day by criticizing precarious working conditions and advocating for jobs that provide a dignified standard of living. - …
Regina Guimarães: 'Continuing is absolutely fundamental to me'
- Poet Regina Guimarães's work, often centered on themes of home and childhood, is being celebrated with a new book and a tribute. - Her diverse career spans poetry, theater, translation, and teaching…
Solitudes
- The article explores the concept of solitude as a potential source of satisfaction and relief, rather than just loneliness. - It references Olivia Laing's essay 'The Lonely City – Adventures in the …
Government says there is no 'legal certainty' to proceed with euthanasia. 80 Portuguese registered with Dignitas
- Portugal's government cites a lack of legal certainty and constitutional court rulings as reasons for not implementing the assisted dying law. - The Ministry of Health states it is not blocking the …
Letters to the Editor: Doubts Over Portugal's New Labor Package and Strike Necessity
- A letter to the editor questions the necessity of another general strike in Portugal, nine months after the government announced a labor package that has faced widespread rejection. - The author cri…
Portuguese PM Expresses Empathy Over Rising Cost of Living Amid Inflation Concerns
- Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro expressed "empathy" regarding the rising cost of living and future threats of further increases. - His statement comes amid accusations from the opposition …
FC Porto Fined Over €10,000 for Hiding Balls in Match Against Sporting
- FC Porto has been fined 10,200 euros by the Portuguese Football Federation's (FPF) Disciplinary Council for removing game balls from the pitch during a February match against Sporting. - The club's …
2024 Port Wine vintage declared a classic, with 'The Stone Terraces' hailed as prodigious
- The 2024 Port Wine vintage has been declared a classic by a significant majority of producers, a rare event not seen since 2017. - The exceptional year is attributed to ideal climatic conditions, in…
Is 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' a Portrait or a 'Caricature' of Fashion Magazines?
- The article discusses whether the movie "The Devil Wears Prada 2" accurately portrays fashion magazines or merely caricatures them. - It sets up a fictional premise where a journalist, Andy Sachs, r…
IndieLisboa Festival Cancels Two Films by Ico Costa a Year After Initial Removal
- The IndieLisboa film festival canceled two films by Ico Costa, 'Balane 3' and 'Nha Balila', on April 22, 2025. - The reason for the cancellation is not explicitly stated but implied to be due to con…
Researchers discover way to measure coffee's flavor profile
- Researchers have developed a new method to measure a coffee's flavor profile by passing an electrical current through it. - This innovation could help coffee shops improve quality control and quanti…
Público Highlights Debate on Political Prisoners Before and After Carnation Revolution
- The Portuguese newspaper Público is highlighting a debate surrounding the number of political prisoners before and after the 1974 Carnation Revolution. - The article references a social media post f…
Portuguese Parliament to Hold Urgent Hearings on Political Donor Transparency
- The Portuguese Parliament's Constitutional Affairs Committee unanimously approved an urgent hearing request regarding party donor identification. - The request, initiated by the Left Bloc (BE), targ…
Portugal's political parties face scrutiny over demands for secret donor lists
- Political parties in Portugal are demanding secrecy regarding their financial donors, citing data protection regulations. - This move has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it undermines tran…
Brazilian Consulate in Lisbon Boosts Staff Amid Growing Demand, Election Duties
- Brazil's largest consulate in Europe, located in Lisbon, will increase its staff to meet growing service demands. - The expansion includes strengthening the Brazilian Women's Space (EMUB), which pro…
Finally a Comedy from Iran? — Interview with the Director of 'Divina Comédia'
- The article discusses the challenges faced by Iranian filmmakers, particularly director Mohammad Rasoulof, in navigating censorship and bureaucracy. - Rasoulof's film "Divina Comédia" is mentioned, …
The 'Always' of April 25th
- Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa addressed young people on the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution, stating he could not ask them to love April 25th as they did not live through…
Natalie Coulter: 'Children have become a resource and a source of profit'
- Children are increasingly viewed as a resource and profit source within technological ecosystems, moving beyond simple discovery and entertainment. - Platforms collect and monetize data from childre…
Porta 65 Support Blocked by Unforeseen Legal Condition
- The Institute of Housing and Urban Rehabilitation (IHRU) is reportedly blocking access to the Porta 65 Jovem housing support program. - Beneficiaries are being denied aid based on a lease agreement …
The Portuguese Citizen: Treated Like a Child?
- The article discusses a perceived tendency in new democracies (under 50 years old) to treat citizens like children. - It highlights the importance of readers as the driving force and lifeblood of a …
Ah, those crazy 90s in Lisbon! So close and yet so far from us
- The article reflects on the "dinomania" that swept Lisbon in the early 1990s, centered around a dinosaur exhibition. - The exhibition, "Dinosaurs Return to Lisbon," attracted over 346,000 visitors i…
Cristina Robalo: Drawings from the Deep Darkness
- Portuguese artist Cristina Robalo is showcasing her expansive drawing practice in a solo exhibition at the Carmona e Costa Foundation in Lisbon. - The exhibition, curated by Sérgio Fazenda Rodrigues…
Sentimental Geography
- The author reflects on returning to London years after a difficult period, seeking to create new memories and a different
Prison Fire in Matosinhos Leaves One Inmate Injured
- A fire broke out at the Santa Cruz do Bispo Prison in Matosinhos, Portugal. - One inmate sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital. - The fire was reported at 7:26 PM and extingui…
Portugal's Teachers Rank Highest in OECD Skills Assessment Amidst Recruitment Debate
- Portugal's Minister of Education, Fernando Alexandre, presented conflicting views on the teacher shortage, initially acknowledging difficulties in recruitment but later downplaying the severity of t…
US border agency opens portal for tariff refunds after court ruling
- The US Customs and Border Protection agency has launched an online portal for importers to claim refunds for tariffs imposed under the Trump administration. - The Supreme Court ruled that these tari…
War in Iran Threatens Bank of Portugal's Return to Profitability in 2026
- The European Central Bank's interest rate cuts helped the Bank of Portugal reduce its losses significantly last year. - The bank's return to profitability by 2026 is threatened by potential interest…
What Does My Child Lose by Spending Another Year in Preschool?
- Portuguese parents face a decision on whether to delay their child's entry into the first grade of primary school by an extra year in preschool. - An additional year in preschool can enhance emotion…
Ryanair tightens check-in, baggage drop deadlines to one hour before flight
- Ryanair is changing its check-in and baggage drop deadlines to 60 minutes before departure, effective November 10. - This change follows the installation of new self-service bag drop kiosks across i…
Portuguese Bar Association Reports Over €200,000 Owed by Immigration Agency to Lawyers
- The Portuguese Bar Association has received complaints about delayed payments from the Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum (AIMA) to lawyers handling residency permit applications. - AIMA …
Goatling Draws Tourists to Lousã for Gastronomic Weekends
- The Lousã municipality in Portugal is hosting gastronomic weekends focused on goatling to attract tourists and boost the local economy. - The event, spanning two weekends in April and May, features …
Spain: Between Symbolism and Strengthening the Iberian Friendship
- The article discusses the symbolic and practical significance of the Portuguese President's first state visit to Spain, highlighting the deep historical ties and current economic disparities between…
Portuguese surfers Hopkins and Veselko eliminated in second round of Margaret River Pro
- Portuguese surfers Yolanda Hopkins and Francisca Veselko were eliminated in the second round of the Margaret River Pro. - Both surfers, making their debut on the main circuit, failed to advance to t…
Gulbenkian finally showcases fashion, but with art
- The Gulbenkian Foundation is hosting a new exhibition titled 'Art & Fashion'. - The exhibition showcases a dialogue between iconic works from the Gulbenkian Collection and 150 years of fashion histo…
LGBTQI Elders in Portugal: Between Memory of Repression and Fear of the Future
- Elderly LGBTQI individuals in Portugal express fear and uncertainty about the future of their rights. - They recall past repression and worry about the rise of neofascism and changing legal landscap…
Government proposes reducing the deadline for accepting inheritance from ten to two years
- The Portuguese government proposes reducing the time limit for accepting an inheritance from ten years to two years. - The proposal also suggests that an executor, designated by the deceased, could …
UGT Representative Certain Labor Law Agreement Will Be Rejected
- A representative from the UGT union expressed strong certainty that the national secretariat will reject the proposed labor law reforms. - The UGT's stance aligns with a recent poll indicating that …
UGT Official Predicts Rejection of Labor Law Reforms
- A UGT union official believes the labor law reform agreement will be rejected by the union's national secretariat. - This sentiment is based on a poll indicating that most Portuguese citizens feel t…
From Lisbon to Madrid: Seguro's Presidential International Debut Follows Pattern
- The article discusses the upcoming international debut of António José Seguro as President of Portugal. - His first official foreign visit is to Madrid, a traditional destination for Portuguese pres…
Immigrants Pay for Portuguese Courses for Nationality, but Face Fake Diplomas
- Immigrants in Portugal are paying thousands of euros for Portuguese language courses to obtain nationality. - Some private institutions are issuing fake certificates, defrauding vulnerable individua…
Fewer Foreign Nationals Contributing to Social Security in Portugal, but Contribution Value Surpasses Previous Year
- The number of foreign nationals contributing to Portugal's Social Security system decreased in January compared to the previous month and the previous year. - Despite the decrease in numbers, the to…
Vitória SC President Resigns, Cites Missed European Qualification Goal
- António Miguel Cardoso has resigned as president of Portuguese football club Vitória SC, citing unmet European qualification goals. - Cardoso had pledged to step down if the team finished outside th…
Italy suspends defense agreement renewal with Israel, calls for US-Iran talks
- Italy has suspended the automatic renewal of its defense cooperation agreement with Israel, citing the current situation. - The decision was communicated by Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto t…
Vale Mercê: Douro's new wine brand captures regional identity
- A Portuguese winery, Vale Mercê, has launched its own wine brand, aiming to capture the identity of traditional wines from the Douro region. - The brand, established in 2022, produced over 60,000 bo…
In Ericeira, Enjoy the Sea Urchin! From Market to Table, Science to Preservation
- The Ericeira sea urchin festival celebrates its tenth anniversary, highlighting the delicacy as the "caviar of the Atlantic." - The festival aims to promote and preserve the sea urchin, which has be…