Campaign reporting shows André Ventura (Chega) saying João Cotrim de Figueiredo's support in a possible second round is “natural” while also downplaying its importance; commentators note Cotrim has significantly influenced the campaign narrative and media coverage. Outlets add that other figures such as Gouveia e Melo have commented they are not surprised by possible tactical alignments. For expats: watch second‑round dynamics — endorsements and tactical voting talk can shift campaign messaging quickly and affect turnout and debate tone.

Update: Multiple outlets report João Cotrim de Figueiredo wrote to PSD leader Luís Montenegro after a Católica University poll, asking the PSD to back him or recommend a PSD vote for his candidacy in order to prevent either the PS or Chega candidate reaching the presidency; the letter quotes Sá Carneiro and comes as other campaign figures try to counter poll momentum. This formal appeal intensifies tactical-vote manoeuvring in the final days of the campaign.

The CGTP trade-union confederation expects a large demonstration in Lisbon on Tuesday, starting at Praça Luís de Camões and heading to the Prime Minister's Office (São Bento), where it plans to deliver a petition with tens of thousands of signatures demanding withdrawal of the government's labour package. The protest happens on the eve of a requested meeting at São Bento with the Prime Minister and the Labour Minister, underlining continued union pressure after last December’s strike. For expats who work in affected areas, expect central-Lisbon disruption around 14:30 and possible concentrated media attention on any government response that could influence labour-policy timing.

Update: Multiple outlets reported that presidential candidates Catarina Martins and António Filipe attended the CGTP demonstration in Lisbon, joining the rally against the government's labour package and increasing political visibility at the event.

Daily polling covered by CNN Portugal and Observador shows Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo falling out of the early statistical tie for the lead, leaving three candidates contesting top positions and a different candidate (listed as Seguro) taking the polling advantage. Gouveia e Melo continues campaigning with message of institutional loyalty and has said he could form a good team with Luís Montenegro; market events and local interactions show shifting voter preferences. Residents following the election should watch for rapid movement in the polls as campaigning intensifies and for any signals of tactical endorsements.

A fire at the Torre Sénior care home in Santo Tirso forced the evacuation of about 40 residents overnight; firefighters extinguished the blaze and authorities reported no injuries. Residents were triaged by teams from the Portuguese National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) and temporarily housed in a municipal pavilion while the cause is investigated. Those with relatives in care homes should contact the facility for status updates and next steps; local councils handle temporary placements for evacuated residents.

A study from Nova SBE finds 51.85% of respondents said they had self-medicated at some point, with higher rates among young people, those with more education and people without a family doctor (médico de família). Researchers warn self-medication is commonly used for mental-health issues and can be risky for people with chronic conditions if not discussed with a clinician. Those relying on regular prescriptions should ensure continuity with a registered family doctor and bring medication lists to appointments.

The Portuguese government has assured that there are few Portuguese in Iran and that it is monitoring the situation and assisting nationals where necessary. Two Portuguese nationals have asked for help to leave Iran because of the violence, according to some reports; a protest took place outside the Iranian embassy in Lisbon. For expats with family in Iran, check travel advice and contact consular services if needed.

Update: Latest outlet reports confirm two Portuguese nationals have formally asked for assistance to leave Iran and the government says it is following the situation closely; media coverage also highlights protests in Lisbon by members of the local Iranian‑Portuguese community. Expats with relatives in the region should monitor official travel advice and consider contacting Portuguese consular channels if they need direct help or information.

A Nova SBE survey shows the share of people using a private GP climbed from 11.8% in 2023 to 15.5% in 2025, while the share saying they rely exclusively on the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) fell from 90% to 82% over three years. Observers say rising private demand reflects pressure on public services and waiting times, and could mean more residents choose private clinics for continuity of care. Patients considering private options should compare costs, contracts and whether their insurance covers consultations.

Multiple outlets report arrests in separate child‑abuse cases: a swimming instructor in Lisbon was detained by the Judiciary Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) on suspicion of sexual abuse of two pupils aged seven and eleven, with several reports saying the alleged offences occurred in a public pool in December. Observador and other outlets also reported a 52‑year‑old uncle arrested over alleged sexual abuse of his 15‑year‑old nephew; police said the suspect had a prior sexual‑offence record. For expats: be vigilant about safeguarding at children’s activities, check who is certified by local clubs, and report concerns to authorities or the PJ; if you need help, contact local police and child-protection services.

Confagri — the confederation representing Portuguese agriculture interests — told media the government's upbeat stance on the EU‑Mercosur agreement is premature and urged more public and private investment in the agri‑food sector to protect producers. Observador and RTP report Confagri wants safeguards and support so domestic farmers can compete if the trade deal advances. For expats in agri‑business or rural areas: watch later announcements on subsidies, market access and support programmes which can affect regional economies and local services.

Portuguese outlets report the European border control system for non‑EU travellers (the Entry/Exit System, EES) has been reactivated for testing at Lisbon Airport (Aeroporto de Lisboa) after a temporary suspension; police sources told Lusa there will be an afternoon test to assess recent fixes. Separate reporting said the system could be re‑activated then suspended again while improvements are confirmed, and earlier problems were linked to long queues. For expats and travellers: expect possible delays at passport control for non‑EU nationals, check your flight and airline notices before travel, allow extra time at the airport and carry passport and supporting documents for faster processing.

The Order of Nurses (Ordem dos Enfermeiros) has publicly rejected proposed limits on nurse recruitment, warning that restricting hiring would damage service quality and patient safety and exacerbate staffing pressures. Observador and Correio da Manhã report the body said workforce shortages and an ageing staff profile already strain care delivery. For expats who rely on public healthcare: staffing pressures could mean slower non‑urgent services and longer waits in some units; consider registering with a local family doctor and check private options if continuity of care is essential.

Difficulties accessing the National Health Service (SNS) are driving patients away from exclusive reliance on public care and toward private healthcare. More than half of people report self-medicating and the majority do not inform their doctor, while those who can afford private care rarely revert to the SNS once they switch. The trend suggests growing segmentation in access and a potential long-term shift of wealthier patients out of the public system.

Comboios de Portugal (CP) is weighing changes to a recent rail pass after operators say more than 50,000 monthly users are increasing demand on regional services and Intercidades trains. The operator cites so-called “ghost trips” — journeys that distort load figures — together with roughly 20% of its fleet temporarily sidelined, creating capacity pressure and service disruption. CP is considering adjustments to the pass to better manage demand, reduce distorted ridership patterns and relieve stress on constrained Intercidades services.

João Cotrim de Figueiredo’s campaign, which had been gaining momentum, suffered a serious setback after a strategic misstep on second-round strategy and the resurfacing of a harassment allegation on social media. By not ruling out support for Ventura, Cotrim exposed himself to attacks and fractured the narrative of steady progress; the harassment allegation — reportedly known within Iniciativa Liberal for two years — compounded the damage and prompted him to decry ‘low‑level’ and ‘dirty’ politics. The episode shifted the campaign’s focus onto Cotrim personally, energised opponents and risked undoing recent gains as rivals consolidated backing ahead of a possible second round.