This analytical piece examines how Portugal’s political system is being reshaped by institutional change, party realignment and shifts in governance practices, and what those shifts mean for policy-making and the distribution of power. It argues that Portugal confronts 21st‑century crises while many state institutions and rules remain rooted in a 20th‑century model, producing a structural mismatch that constrains policy responsiveness. The article surveys changes in party competition (including fragmentation and moves to the right), evolving coalition dynamics, pressures for legal and administrative reform, and the potential effects on decentralisation, judicial and electoral arrangements and representation (including for expatriate communities). It outlines reform priorities and trade-offs as the system reconfigures to better manage contemporary economic, social and geopolitical challenges.

The Government confirmed that workers placed on the simplified lay-off because of Kristin will receive 100% of their normal net pay, capped at three times the national minimum wage (€2,760). The guarantee strengthens immediate income protection for affected employees, though its fiscal and administrative implications will depend on eligibility rules, duration and how costs are shared between employers and public funds.

The PSD parliamentary group has tabled a bill to amend TVDE rules so that taxis can operate under TVDE, caps on dynamic fares would be removed, vehicles such as tricycles and quadricycles could be used, and passengers could be subject to ratings. The proposal would further blur the regulatory distinction between traditional taxis and app-based ride-hailing, increase fare volatility through unconstrained dynamic pricing, and broaden the fleet types competing on platforms. Key implications include questions over safety, insurance and enforcement for non‑standard vehicles, the effects of passenger ratings on access and fairness, and the need for regulatory safeguards to protect drivers and consumers.

Reported house prices rose 16% year‑on‑year, but the data provided appears inconsistent: the body states prices reached €2,111 per square metre in Q3 last year, while the headline claims €5,000 per square metre in Lisbon. This likely reflects different measures or geographies (national average vs Lisbon city centre, asking vs transaction prices). Verify source breakdowns and timing; implications include tighter affordability, stronger expat/investor demand in Lisbon, and amplified regional divergence in the housing market.

DGERT data show notified collective redundancies rose by about 11% in 2025 to 552 — the highest annual total since 2020 (698). The January–December 2025 figure and monthly patterns indicate a rising trend in collective layoffs, with numbers approaching levels seen during the Covid‑19 pandemic, signalling renewed pressure on the labour market and potential legal and social implications for affected sectors.

The Government has extended the state of calamity until 8 February and activated the National Civil Protection Emergency Plan nationwide in anticipation of Storm Kristin and other adverse weather expected in the coming days. The measures are intended to pre-emptively mobilise emergency services, coordinate national and local authorities, protect critical infrastructure and streamline relief efforts. The decision reflects elevated forecast risk and highlights priorities for rapid response: targeted resource deployment, clear public guidance, and post-event assessment of vulnerabilities and policy effectiveness.

Researchers say municipal and district emergency plans should have been activated proactively after the meteorological institute issued a red weather warning, criticising delays in triggering the national emergency plan. Experts warn the hesitation risked public safety and service continuity and call for a review of activation thresholds and clearer responsibilities between national and local authorities.

Following a severe storm, the government has eased its layoff scheme for affected firms: Social Security will cover 80% of salaries, guaranteeing workers their full pay up to €2,760, and shifting a larger share of labour costs and obligations away from employers.

The piece argues that Europe must produce clear, coordinated leadership to carve an autonomous path between China and the United States. It calls for an urgent common strategy centred on economic levers — investment, industrial policy, trade and activation of EU instruments — combined with political unity to protect strategic autonomy and ensure Europe remains a meaningful global actor. Without decisive economic-focused leadership, Europe risks strategic irrelevance.

PS secretary-general Carneiro has challenged the Government to activate the European Civil Protection Mechanism immediately after Storm Kristin, sending Luís Montenegro a programme of measures to address the impacts. Civil Protection experts concede a late assessment of the disaster’s scale but say Portugal has not yet exhausted national response capacity; the question of requesting generators from abroad remains under study. Other centre-left parties, including the PCP of Santarém, describe government measures as too late and insufficient, warning that a disaster of this magnitude cannot be left to the goodwill of local communities alone.