This week in Portugal
Portugal's domestic news this week highlighted ongoing debates around government reforms, including the Court of Auditors and the higher education system, alongside discussions on social issues like gender identity law and police violence. There was also a strong focus on the increasing role of Artificial Intelligence in business and executive training, with new AI tools emerging from Portugal. Internationally, Portuguese media covered Russia's suggestions for peace talks with Ukraine and the EU's critical stance on the Israel agreement.
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
Beaches Under Threat: Private Claims and High Costs Restrict Access in Portugal
- Private entities are increasingly attempting to claim ownership of Portuguese beaches, restricting public access. - Examples include barriers erected by tourist developments and exorbitant ferry pri…
Nastassja Kinski seeks removal of her own seminude scene from 1975 film
- Actress Nastassja Kinski is withdrawing consent for a seminude scene filmed at age 13 in Wim Wenders' 1975 film "False Movement." - Kinski's lawyer announced the decision after years of failed attem…
Portugal's Socialists weigh unique benefit, seek removal of work requirement
- The Socialist Party (PS) is considering supporting a unique social benefit (PSU) but wants to remove the mandatory social work requirement. - The PS aims to integrate the PSU into the Recovery and R…
Portuguese project teaches children to think about money, learn promotions aren't always savings
- A Portuguese program, 'No Poupar Está o Ganho,' teaches financial literacy to nearly 35,000 students annually, from preschool to high school. - The initiative, run by the António Cupertino de Mirand…
Pioneering Portuguese animation film donated to Cinemateca
- A pioneering film in Portuguese animation has been donated to the Cinemateca Portuguesa. - The film, "A Lenda de Miragaia," is a silhouette animation made in 1931. - Its discovery at a flea market m…
EU establishing three screening centers for rapid processing of undocumented migrants
- The European Union is establishing three screening centers to quickly process undocumented foreign nationals upon arrival. - These centers are required by the new European Pact on Migration and Asyl…
FC Porto advances to basketball league finals after beating Sporting
- FC Porto defeated Sporting 94-86 in the fourth game of their semifinal series to reach the Portuguese basketball league finals. - This marks Porto's third consecutive appearance in the finals. - Por…
Polaris Nexus: Moderately Smart Glasses That Blend Into Your Day
- The Polaris Nexus smart glasses are positioned as a discreet option, integrating basic audio features into sunglasses. - They feature removable smart temples that can be swapped for traditional ones…
Ferry service to Barra and Costa Nova beaches aims to ease summer access
- The municipality of Ílhavo, Portugal, is testing a new ferry service to connect passengers and bicycles to the Barra and Costa Nova beaches. - The initiative aims to alleviate severe summer traffic …
Cape Verde Inspiration Unites Fado Singers Sérgio Onze and Gisela João in Duet
- Fado singers Sérgio Onze and Gisela João have released a new duet titled 'Que mar é este' (What sea is this). - The song was inspired by a mornas music heard in Cape Verde, evoking a sense of saudad…
Films Explore Salazar's Final Days, Internet Horror, and Hitler's Tasters
- 'Pai Nosso - The Last Days of Salazar' depicts the final two years of Portuguese dictator António de Oliveira Salazar's life. - The film portrays how his regime concealed his decline after a stroke,…
Will Seguro be an inconvenient President? Good.
The article critiques the Portuguese presidencies of the last twenty years, deeming them failures that eroded institutions and failed to correct the country's course. It contrasts the potential of fig…
Monte da Caparica Residents Film Their Community's Story
- Residents of Monte da Caparica created a film to document their community's history and life. - The film uses narration to recall memories of the area's past, including its time as an asylum and a s…
AIMA Faces Four-Day Strike Over Working Conditions and Service Quality
- The Union of Migration Technicians (STM) announced a four-day strike at the Agency for Integration, Migrations, and Asylum (AIMA) from June 1-5, 2026. - The strike stems from persistent structural p…
Tired of Talking to Machines? Portuguese Party Proposes Right to Human Customer Service
- A Portuguese political party, PS, is proposing a new consumer right to ensure customers can speak with a human representative. - The proposal aims to end frustrating experiences where consumers are …
Police board Latam plane in Germany over seat assignment dispute
- A dispute over seat assignments on a Latam flight from Germany to Brazil led to police intervention. - A Brazilian couple claimed they paid for extra legroom seats but were assigned different ones. …
Filmmaker explores Salazar's final years, highlighting regime's deception
Filmmaker José Filipe Costa explores the final years of Portuguese dictator António de Oliveira Salazar in his new documentary. "Pai Nosso – Os Últimos Dias de Salazar" (Our Father – The Last Days of …
Magnus Carlsen Loses Return Match in Classical Chess
- Magnus Carlsen lost his first classical chess match since returning to the format. - He was defeated by Alireza Firouzja at the Norway Chess tournament in Stavanger. - Carlsen had previously focused…
New Hantavirus Case Confirmed in Spain
- A new case of hantavirus has been confirmed in Spain in a person who was on the Hondius cruise ship. - The patient is in quarantine at a military hospital in Madrid, and health authorities state the…
Sporting CP ends season trophyless after cup final defeat
- Sporting CP concluded their season without any trophies, culminating in a disappointing cup final loss to a second-division team. - Fans expressed their dissatisfaction with boos and jeers as the pl…
Europe Only Blinks at Israel with Figures Like Ben Gvir
- The article criticizes Europe's stance on Israel, suggesting it only takes action against figures like Ben Gvir. - It draws a historical parallel, linking current supporters of Israel to those who g…
Brazilian horror and sci-fi cinema targets global audience at Cannes
- Brazilian genre films, particularly horror and science fiction, are gaining international attention, with five out of seven films presented at Cannes' Fantastic Cuts showcase being Brazilian. - This…
May 26, 1926: The Coup That Opened the Door to Salazar's Long Night
- On May 26, 1926, General Gomes da Costa discreetly left Lisbon to join the First National Marian Congress in Braga. - The following day, military barracks in Braga were abuzz with preparations for a…
Long Live the Baby Coatis!
- The article humorously notes that "jaquinzinhos" (baby coatis) were not consumed this year, partly due to their illegal status. - Attempts to bribe or "aliciar" (entice/lure) game wardens were unsuc…
Heat exhausts Bangladesh's textile workers amid power cuts
- Textile workers in Bangladesh are enduring extreme heat and falling productivity due to power outages, exacerbated by global energy market disruptions. - Factories are cutting back on cooling system…
Gas Explosion in North China Coal Mine Kills at Least 90
- A gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in China's Shanxi province has killed at least 90 people. - The explosion occurred Friday evening while 247 workers were underground. - Rescue operations a…
Theater Professionals Join 400 Against Bolloré's Cultural Dominance
- Around 400 theater professionals in France have published an open letter supporting cinema professionals protesting Vincent Bolloré's cultural influence. - The protest, initially involving 600 cinem…
The meaning of the token in the gear that moves artificial intelligence
- Artificial intelligence models process language not as words, but as 'tokens,' which are small units of information. - The way language is tokenized affects processing efficiency, with Portuguese re…
Health: Patient Data of Minors Reportedly Accessed by Hacker
- Reports indicate a hacker may have accessed patient data through the SNS24 portal, potentially compromising the records of young children in Northern Portugal. - The alleged hacker reportedly used a…
Cristina Clara Announces New Album 'Bonança' Featuring António Zambujo
- Portuguese singer-songwriter Cristina Clara is releasing a new album in October. - The first single, "Bonança," a duet with António Zambujo, features lyrics by Clara and music by Armandinho. - Clara…
The Longest Flights Are Getting Longer
- Nonstop flight distances have increased by nearly 15% since 2000, with the average distance of the ten longest routes growing from 12,667 km to 14,504 km. - Advancements in aircraft technology are e…
Luso-Spanish Border Communities Protest Lack of Road Link
- Approximately 40 Portuguese and Spanish organizations are protesting the lack of road connectivity between northern Extremadura and Beira Baixa. - They will gather at the international bridge of Mon…
Pope Leo XIV to personally present first encyclical on Artificial Intelligence
- Pope Leo XIV will personally present his first encyclical, 'Magnifica Humanitas,' on May 25. - The document addresses the protection of human dignity in the age of Artificial Intelligence. - This ma…
Público: On Faith and the Power of Readers
- The article discusses the Christian reference point, particularly the Old Testament, and its relationship with the New Testament. - It emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit over the literal i…
Portugal's Higher Education Reforms Risk 'Semantic Decree' Blurring University and Polytechnic Lines
- Portugal's higher education system faces a "semantic decree" risk due to reforms blurring the lines between universities and polytechnics. - The reform aimed to elevate polytechnic institutions but …
PP wants to show in Andalusia that there is life beyond Vox
- The article discusses the upcoming regional elections in Andalusia, Spain, marking the final stage of a cycle of regional elections in the country. - The main focus is on the expected victory of the…
White House Hosts Nine-Hour Prayer Festival Focused on US Christian Roots
- The Trump administration is hosting a nine-hour prayer festival on the National Mall focused on the United States' Christian roots. - Organizers aim for the event to reflect the nation's origins and…
Delay in regulation is conditioning the growth of the electric charging network
- The CEO of Atlante Portugal, Carlos Ferraz, criticizes the delay in regulating the electric vehicle charging network. - Ferraz advocates for interoperability between charging operators using apps an…
Too many tourists? Ten years after the boom, we still don't know
- The article questions whether Portugal, specifically Lisbon and Porto, has too many tourists a decade after a tourism boom. - It suggests a hypothetical scenario where the centers of Lisbon and Port…
Author criticizes fellow writer for referencing work without reading
- The article discusses a critical opinion piece written by José Manuel Ribeiro that refers to the author without having read or understood their arguments. - The author suggests this is a deliberate …
The Shipwreck of Keir Starmer — and of the British Two-Party System
- The article discusses the potential downfall of Keir Starmer and the British two-party system. - It references Starmer's 2026 inauguration speech where he proclaimed politics as a force for good. - …
Al Nassr's Saudi Championship Title Hopes Delayed After Last-Minute Draw
- Al Nassr's bid to secure the Saudi Arabian championship title was delayed after a 1-1 draw against Al Hilal. - The team, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix, now needs to win their final leag…
Fragile Putin suggests peace talks with Ukraine
- Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that the conflict with Ukraine is nearing its end. - He indicated Moscow's readiness to return to peace negotiations. - These statements were made during t…
Portugal's Court of Auditors Faces Reform: The Announced End of Prior Approval
- The Portuguese Court of Auditors (TdC) is an indispensable constitutional body responsible for overseeing public spending. - A proposed government bill aims to revise the TdC's organization and proc…
Putin Names Schröder for Russia Talks; EU's Kallas Rejects
- Russian President Putin suggested former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder could represent Europe in future negotiations. - EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas rejected this idea, calling it unwise…
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…
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. - …
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…
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…
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…
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 …
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…