CNN Portugal reports the government will only grant state support (apoios do Estado) to victims of bad weather if they do not have outstanding tax debts. The rule ties access to emergency financial help to tax compliance and has already prompted criticism from opposition figures who say it could exclude emigrants and vulnerable households. Those affected by storm damage or seeking assistance should check eligibility rules and their tax standing before applying.

Update: President: People with tax debts shouldn't be penalised

During a visit to Alcácer do Sal, the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, said losses from the storms will run to “some thousands of millions” and argued that people without insurance and those with tax debts should not be penalised when state aid is considered. His comments contrast with the government's existing condition tying some emergency support to having no outstanding tax debts and add political pressure, but there is no sign the eligibility rule has been changed.

Update: President repeats: don't penalise tax debts

CNN Portugal reports the president restated his position in Alcácer do Sal, saying estimated storm losses run to “some thousands of millions” and repeating that uninsured or indebted people should not be excluded from state help; there is still no formal change to the government's eligibility condition.

E-Redes reported that electricity cuts tied to the Kristin depression have fallen to about 26,000 customers on mainland Portugal, with roughly 16,000 still blacked out in the most affected areas. Operators say around 5,000 customers had supply restored during the day as crews prioritised the hardest-hit zones. Those without power should follow local restoration updates from E-Redes and check contingency plans for heating and medical equipment.

Update: Conflicting outlet counts show 26k–31k outages

RTP and Expresso give a current figure of about 26,000 customers without power, with roughly 16,000 in the worst-hit zones and about 5,000 restorations during the day, while Correio da Manhã reported up to 31,000 earlier — a range reporters attribute to different update times and local reporting. Expect numbers to change as crews finish repairs.

The Portuguese Insurance Association (APS) said more than 100,000 claims have been filed after the recent bad weather, with about half reported in the last week. APS added that roughly 75% of cases have already seen initial assessment, advance payments or partial/total settlements, while others await documentation. Policyholders seeking payouts should contact their insurer promptly and check what documentation is needed for fast processing.

Update: APS says half of claims filed in recent week

Dinheiro Vivo and Observador report APS data showing just over 100,000 claims were filed (with about 50% lodged in the most recent week) and that roughly 75% of cases have received some assessment, advance payment or settlement; outstanding files are mainly waiting for paperwork.

The Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS) has asked to summon the Secretary of State for Energy to the Assembly of the Republic (Assembleia da República) after a nurse, Fábio Teixeira, was appointed to coordinate a renewable-energy mission structure. PS has raised doubts about the appointee's qualifications and said the environment minister was reportedly not informed. Those following public appointments and transparency issues in energy policy should watch parliamentary scheduling and any official explanations.

Update: PS seeks ban on misleading health-card adverts

Correio da Manhã, Observador and Público report the PS wants a legal prohibition on advertising that presents discount “health cards” (cartões de saúde) as full “planos de saúde” or "seguros de saúde*. The outlets list the common services involved — consultations, medicine delivery, ambulance transport and phone clinical advice — as the kinds of offers PS says must not be marketed as equivalent to insurance.

Update: PS cites Jean Barroca, seeks EMER president resignation

Multiple outlets report the PS has formally asked for Secretary of State for Energy Jean Barroca to appear before the parliamentary committee and has called for the president of the renewable mission body (EMER) to explain the appointment and step down; MPs say the Environment Minister was reportedly not informed about the choice of Fábio Teixeira.

The Ministry of Finance said nearly 651,000 taxpayers were exempt from paying IMI (Municipal Property Tax) in 2024 due to low incomes or low property valuations, covering roughly 2.06 million rural properties and 617,000 urban properties. The ministry attributed low rural values to lack of reassessment and many smallholdings, especially in the North and Centre. Property owners and those buying rural homes should check local IMI rules and valuation practices when budgeting for costs.

Update: Ministry gives exact figure and regional breakdown

Diário de Notícias gives the precise tally as 650,907 taxpayers exempt in 2024, covering 2,059,105 rural properties and 616,980 urban properties; the Ministry repeated that low rural valuations reflect missing reassessments and many smallholdings, mainly in the North and Centre.

Proteção Civil recorded 377 occurrences linked to the adverse weather by 18:00, the agency said. The tally covers rescues, floods and other emergency responses across the mainland as teams continue to manage local risks. Those in affected areas should follow municipal guidance and Proteção Civil updates for road closures and safety instructions.

Update: Lusa confirms 377 incidents at 18:00

Lusa's reporting on 14 February confirmed the Proteção Civil total of 377 occurrences as of 18:00, covering a mix of rescues, flood response and other weather-related incidents across the mainland.

France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom announced analyses showing the presence of a toxin called epibatidine — found in South American poison dart frogs — in Alexei Navalny's body and said Russia was responsible for his death. The findings were presented in a joint statement at the Munich Security Conference and have prompted fresh diplomatic accusations. Residents following international security developments should note potential diplomatic fallout but there is no immediate local travel implication.

The Social Security Institute (Instituto da Segurança Social) has mobilised more than 200 technicians to help people displaced by the storms, providing support to 1,537 individuals, authorities said. The ministry's statement added that 22 institutions—mostly residential facilities for the elderly—were evacuated and relocated, covering about 1,347 users. Those affected who need temporary support should contact their municipal council or the Social Security Institute for assistance.

Update: Statement confirms 1,537 people supported

A government statement issued on 14 February, reported across outlets, confirmed that over 200 ISS technicians assisted 1,537 displaced people and that 22 institutions were evacuated and relocated, affecting roughly 1,347 users.

A new rule in Lisbon forbids the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption outside establishments during night hours, starting from 11:00 PM Sunday–Thursday (with later weekend hours), the city and local outlets report. The measure, approved by the Lisbon City Council (Câmara de Lisboa) and published in the municipal bulletin, aims to cut noise and protect residents' right to rest. The mayor, Carlos Moedas, defended the schedule as balancing business activity and neighbourhood peace. Visitors and businesses serving takeaway drinks should check local opening hours and enforcement details.

Update: Ban starts Feb 14 with citywide night hours

Dinheiro Vivo, Observador, Expresso and Público report the rule takes effect on Saturday 14 February and applies across the whole of Lisbon: 23:00–08:00 from Sunday to Thursday, and 00:00–08:00 on Friday, Saturday and the eve of holidays. The timetable was published in the Municipal Bulletin on 15 January and the mayor has framed the measure as protecting residents' right to rest.

Update: Ban takes effect today across Lisbon

Multiple outlets confirm the measure is now in force on 14 February; enforcement begins tonight with the published hours applying citywide.

Expresso reports severe storms have accelerated coastal erosion on the Esposende coast, which could lose as much as 28 metres in coming years. The article warns beaches and dunes in the north have been seriously affected, raising risks for local infrastructure and tourism. Coastal property owners and those living by the shore should monitor municipal plans and any protections or restrictions.

A Público feature interviews Ricardo Pacheco, general director of Iberdrola | BP pulse in Portugal, about the growth of the country's largest ultra‑fast electric‑vehicle charging network and practical tips to reduce household electricity bills. The piece explains where ultra‑fast chargers are being installed and how drivers can save on charging and home energy. EV owners and those considering an electric car should note expanding charging options and possible ways to lower electricity costs.

A Brazilian researcher in Portugal is studying the physical and mental healthcare of Latin American immigrant women after experiencing obstetric violence while using the National Health Service. The study grew out of first‑hand experience of shouting and mistreatment in care settings and aims to document impacts on maternal well‑being and access to services. Those relying on public healthcare should be aware the research may inform future policy and practice in maternal services.

Update: Research from psychologist's NHS experience

Público reports the researcher is a psychologist who says she experienced shouting by a doctor while using the SNS; the study will document how obstetric violence affects survivors' mental health and future access to maternal care.

Successive storms have left between 1,000 and 1,500 hectares of vineyards submerged in the Tejo region, and caused vineyard collapses in parts of Lisbon, the president of the Regional Wine Commission reported. The damage affects several hundred winegrowers in the Tejo area and could hit harvests and local producers in the season ahead. Wine producers, rural residents and those buying local wine should watch sector updates for damage assessments and any government or insurance support.

Update: Tejo vineyards: 1,000–1,500 hectares flooded

Público names Luís Castro as president of the Regional Wine Commission and gives an estimated 1,000–1,500 hectares submerged in the Tejo region, affecting several hundred winegrowers and raising concerns about the coming harvest and local supply.