Former CDS-PP leader Paulo Portas has broken with both party and government neutrality to announce he will vote for António José Seguro in the presidential runoff, calling him “a decent politician in a very difficult moment for Portugal”. Portas framed his choice as support for a moderate alternative, rejecting efforts to reduce the race to a simple left-versus-right contest and warning against polarising rhetoric — including what he described as “an imitation of Trump” and a country “divided into tribes”. The endorsement signals a centrist tilt that could sway conservative voters uncomfortable with polarisation and complicate the CDS-PP's official posture ahead of the second round.

Carla da Silva, a dual Portuguese–Venezuelan national who had been convicted in Venezuela and reported to have been sentenced to around 20–21 years’ imprisonment, has been released after serving roughly five years. The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is following the case and is in contact with her family. Official statements do not specify the legal mechanism for her release (pardon, commutation or other), leaving questions about the circumstances and any diplomatic role; the case highlights the role of consular assistance and could have implications for Portugal–Venezuela relations and the wider expatriate community.

Although tax returns can only be submitted from April, taxpayers — including expatriates — should prepare now by checking and verifying invoices and other documentation. Timely and accurate reporting to the tax office helps secure entitlement to IRS benefits, reduces the risk of errors and penalties, and speeds up processing once the filing window opens. Follow the prescribed steps to organise records and confirm filings when submissions begin.

Ana Sá Lopes argues that, given broad support from intellectuals and sections of the democratic right, the presidential bid of André Ventura is difficult to stop — echoing Rui Ramos’s bleak assessment. The piece highlights how Ventura presents himself as the new leader of the right while also heading a party, and notes that the CDS withdrawal of support has paradoxically positioned him as a mainstream opposition figure who could plausibly become president or even prime minister. The author draws a worrying comparison with Viktor Orbán’s rise in Hungary and reflects on the shifting dynamics of the Portuguese right.

The European Parliament is resisting Commission proposals to dilute passenger protections, insisting on retaining mandatory compensation for cancelled or delayed flights and a guaranteed baggage allowance. The dispute reflects a broader clash between consumer-rights advocates and regulatory reformers, with important consequences for airlines, passengers and upcoming EU travel rules.

Presidential candidate André Ventura urged rival António José Seguro in Caldas da Rainha to say explicitly whether he supports amending the Constitution to end the duplication of lifelong pensions awarded to former public officeholders (citing examples such as Armando Vara). Speaking at a street rally attended by more than 100 supporters, Ventura framed the issue as a clear policy choice with constitutional and social-security implications and pressed Seguro to clarify his position ahead of the election.

Matosinhos Beach faces possible removal from the official list of bathing waters after persistent water pollution and associated public‑health risks. The beach was closed 18 times during the last bathing season; the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) is awaiting the adoption of remedial measures and a final decision is expected in April. Local authorities warn that failure to address contamination could cost Matosinhos its bathing‑area designation and further restrict public access.

Despite Euribor edging down to around 2%, many borrowers remain cautious: mixed-rate mortgage deals continue to dominate both new contracts and renegotiations, and some households are choosing to extend the fixed portion of their repayments rather than switch to variable rates. Mortgage brokers are playing a growing role, advising on re-fixing instalments, comparing mixed vs fixed options, and arranging refinancing to manage payment certainty amid ongoing market uncertainty.

Rui Lopes, chief executive of Simplefy, says recent lengthening of mortgage repayment terms may be a temporary market response rather than a permanent shift. He argues 100% financing is a pragmatic solution to the widespread shortfall in household savings for deposits, while noting longer terms can mismatch actual housing tenure since borrowers typically do not stay in their first home for the full 30–40 years implied by those mortgages. The remarks highlight trade-offs between short-term access to property and longer-term affordability and risk.