A reader approached me at a supermarket checkout with a question: how do I manage to write about current events every day? I told him the world makes it easy, as there is no shortage of topics. I could have written about Rubio's small feet or a local duck turned into a swan at Sporting, but I chose the scandal involving Christmas lights and nativity scenes. Who would have thought we would see a veteran CDS member, former secretary-general of the Lisbon City Council, and devout Christian Democrat as the prime suspect in corruption and abuse of power? Alberto Laplaine Guimarães is accused of embezzling funds meant for Christmas decorations. It is truly unbelievable to steal from nativity scenes and religious displays. While God may forgive the repentant, I am pessimistic about those who only see gold and myrrh in the manger. A man who frequently preached about political ethics is now suspected of taking kickbacks for facilitating contracts for religious items and Christmas lights. If guilty, he deserves an Oscar for the most original plot.
Figure of the Day: Unbelievable
Context & Explainers
The Lisbon City Council (Câmara Municipal de Lisboa) is the executive governing body of Portugal's capital, composed of 17 elected councilors representing different political forces, led by a mayor (currently Carlos Moedas). Its mission is to define and implement policies promoting municipal development across diverse sectors. The Council's responsibilities include: urban planning and construction; social services and housing; education and culture; environmental protection; waste management; public health; transport and mobility; heritage conservation; civil protection; economic development; tourism; sports and leisure; municipal police oversight; and managing public spaces, roads, and infrastructure. Operating under the Ministry of Internal Affairs framework, the Council manages 24 parishes (reduced from 53 in 2012), implements affordable rent programs, collects municipal tourist taxes, issues building permits, maintains allotments and green spaces, and coordinates emergency response systems. As Portugal's largest municipality, Lisbon City Council plays a central role in shaping the capital's development, quality of life, and cultural identity.
