Update: the Assembly approved the government's housing package in principle (aprovado na generalidade), confirming the cross‑party momentum reported earlier — parties such as the PSD supported it while others abstained or remain cautious. This procedural approval moves the bill to later stages but does not finalise measures; implementation details and timelines remain uncertain. Practical note for expats: key measures may still change during later votes, so do not expect immediate relief on rents or housing availability.

The Council of the European Union has approved the long‑running EU–Mercosur agreement after Italy lifted its veto, with signature planned for 17 January in Paraguay. President Marcelo welcomed the deal as historic, while reporting also notes farmer concerns and Brussels' estimate of large annual savings from lower tariffs. The approval means Portugal and exporters should watch for tariff changes and market shifts once the agreement begins to be implemented.

Mário Centeno formally conveyed his wish to stand as Portugal's candidate for European Central Bank vice‑president and the Finance Ministry has submitted his candidacy. The Eurogroup will review the six candidates on 19 January as the selection process advances, with attention on the vice‑president's duties and how a Portuguese nominee might influence ECB policy. For Portugal, a successful nomination would raise the country's profile in euro‑area decision‑making; candidates now face a formal Eurogroup vetting process.

New polling shows André Ventura holding a lead (about 20.5%) while André Cotrim narrows the gap and Henrique Gouveia e Melo has slipped; the three‑day compiled sample was 608 interviews with a reported maximum margin of error of ±4.06%. Gouveia e Melo has faced criticism for self‑promotion and accused parties of trying to control the vote, while presidential candidate André Pestana urged reinvesting funds into the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) to improve care and speed up ambulance availability. For expats: the race is fluid and healthcare proposals from candidates could influence future policy affecting services you rely on.

The obstetrics and gynaecology emergency department at Beja Hospital has been closed due to a lack of doctors, local authorities announced. The shutdown highlights ongoing staffing pressures in regional hospitals and may force patients in the area to seek care elsewhere.

A new association, Casa do Brasil de Braga, launched on 9 January to support the city's immigrant community; the board is currently seeking a physical headquarters and is handling contacts online for now. The group aims to provide a local point of contact for Brazilian and other immigrant residents in Braga.

The President promulgated the new National System for Access to Consultations and Surgeries (Sistema Nacional de Acesso a Consultas e Cirurgias), replacing the two‑decade‑old SIGIC system. He cited positive elements — notably greater transparency and efficiency — but expressly raised doubts about implementation, professional frameworks and patient data protection. If implemented as designed, the reform aims to change how waiting lists are managed, but hospitals and patients should expect a transition period while technical and privacy issues are resolved.

Update to existing coverage: the government acknowledged that the housing crisis “cannot be solved overnight,” adding to earlier remarks by the Prime Minister that price moderation is inevitable. That government line comes as MPs prepare to debate a housing package aimed at cooling prices; ministers say measures are necessary but will take time to affect supply and rents. The comment tempers expectations for immediate relief even as Eurostat data show rapid price growth.

The Council of Ministers approved construction of the Algarve Central Hospital (Hospital Central do Algarve) with an investment of more than €420 million, to be delivered as a public–private partnership that the government says will cost the State about €1.1 billion over time. Ministers called the move historic after decades of delays; unions pointed out earlier tenders and said some promised emergency vehicles are already paid for. Expats in the region should expect major disruption during construction but eventual improvements in regional hospital capacity.

The government announced creation of 400 social inpatient places in new intermediate units, contracted with organisations from the social and solidarity sector, to house people medically discharged but not yet fit for long‑term continuing care. Authorities have not specified locations or start dates and call the measure an 'exceptional and temporary solution.' The move aims to reduce hospital pressure and could speed up discharges for patients awaiting longer‑term placements.

The final electoral register for the 18 January presidential election lists 11,039,672 voters — 174,662 more than in 2021 — according to the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Internal Administration's update. The rise could affect turnout projections and logistical planning for polling stations and overseas voting. Expats planning to vote should confirm registration and polling arrangements early given the larger electorate.

The GNR intervened to halt a recent spate of violent robberies affecting Albufeira and Monte Gordo. In Albufeira a youth gang targeted people in busy nightlife areas, while in Monte Gordo a young man carried out particularly aggressive attacks using an axe and a makeshift bludgeon. The incidents highlight growing concerns about public safety in tourist-oriented night-time districts and underline the need for targeted policing, prevention measures and community awareness to protect residents and visitors.

A housing package has been approved in principle, covering a set of fiscal measures alongside a separate proposal to simplify planning permission. The combined measures are intended to stimulate the property market by altering tax/incentive settings and speeding development approvals, but key details — specific fiscal instruments, implementation timelines and regulatory safeguards — remain to be finalised. The ultimate impact will hinge on policy design, resourcing of planning authorities and market response.

The Portuguese Firefighters' League (LBP) has established a weekend task force of four additional ambulances to bolster pre-hospital emergency response and ease pressure on hospitals. The emergency vehicles — drawn from the Ajuda, Cabo Ruivo, Camarate and Cascais brigades — will be based at the LBP headquarters, while a commander will be on permanent duty at CAASO (Centre for Operational Monitoring and Support) to coordinate operations. The deployment is a targeted, short-term capacity boost intended to improve response times during busy periods and provide centralised operational oversight.