The maximum 'moderate' selling price of houses has increased to 660,000 euros, reflecting a 2% rise since the measure's introduction. This price cap is determined by the IMT Code and is updated annually to align with market conditions.
The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has enacted a decree to address significant delays in medical board assessments for disability, highlighting the urgency of the situation with tens of thousands of pending cases and unacceptable waiting times.
The Energy Services Regulatory Authority (ERSE) has mandated that electricity and gas suppliers must allow affected customers to split their bills into manageable payments. This decision follows a consultation process and aims to alleviate financial pressure on those impacted by Storm Kristin. Suppliers are required to issue a credit note before sending a second bill to customers who opt for this payment plan.
In January, families have significantly increased their investments in savings certificates, contributing an additional 13 million euros per day, leading to a total of 40.6 billion euros in investments for the month. This trend indicates a strong focus on saving as an economic strategy at the start of the year.
Economist Filipe Garcia emphasizes the necessity for changes in tax collection to finance the PTRR, suggesting that without adjustments, funding will need to come from increased taxes or cuts in other areas.
The revision of the Labour Code is viewed as an unforced error, raising concerns about its implications for workers' rights and policy effectiveness.
José Luís Carneiro, the Secretary-General of the PS, criticized the PTRR announced by the Prime Minister as merely a plan of intentions, arguing it should be a concrete action plan to support storm victims in central Portugal. He emphasized the need for a definitive strategy to include municipalities currently outside the state of calamity. The PTRR, introduced by Luís Montenegro, aims to address the severe weather impacts that have led to 18 fatalities and numerous injuries since January 28. Carneiro noted that the programme is open for national debate rather than being an immediate implementation plan, and he reiterated the PS's 70 proposals ahead of a meeting with the Prime Minister.
The recent storms have left many families devastated, losing their homes and facing a lack of government support. This report highlights the personal accounts of those affected, shedding light on the fear, destruction, and uncertainty they now endure.
The recent approval of the housing package has garnered support from the PSD, CDS-PP, and IL parties, focusing on two key proposals that involve legislative authorisations aimed at addressing housing issues.
The article discusses the procedures for requesting state assistance for individuals affected by recent storms, addressing the high volume of support requests and clarifying common questions about eligibility and the application process.
The Ministry of Health has announced an urgent assessment of patients on the waiting list for heart surgery, following reports of deaths potentially linked to delays in care. The situation is being treated as a priority, with a focus on ensuring patient safety and addressing the healthcare system's responsiveness.
A lawsuit is set to be filed against Portugal in the European Court of Human Rights due to complaints from immigrants regarding the state's failure to comply with its own laws. Brazilian activist Amanda Abreu has gathered over two hundred testimonies highlighting issues such as obstruction of justice and xenophobia, which have severely impacted immigrants' access to documentation, family reunifications, and essential services. The legal action aims to compel Portugal to adhere to its constitutional laws rather than to punish the state. The testimonies will also contribute to a scientific article and a report for the European political party Volt, focusing on legislative review in the European Parliament.
Lisbon moved to cancel around 6,700 local accommodation (AL) licences, tightening the short‑let market as public‑sector pay rises kick in with a new base salary of €934.99. Storm Kristin’s fallout widened: damage estimates climbed toward €6 billion, the energy regulator approved split bill payments, and guidance was issued on requesting state disaster support. Meanwhile, the President signed a fast‑track to clear medical-board backlogs, while immigration remained in focus with migrants contributing 17.6% of the social fund and preparing ECHR complaints.
The government presented the Portugal Transformation, Recovery and Resilience programme (PTRR), saying it aims to complete the first phase this year and will define the programme’s budget after a national consultation, RTP reports. The PTRR links recovery in storm-hit areas with broader resilience projects across the country. Residents and businesses in affected regions should watch the consultation timeline and local calls for projects.
Update 2: PS secretary-general criticises PTRR as intentions
José Luís Carneiro, the Secretary‑General of the Socialist Party (PS), told Diário de Notícias the PTRR looks like “a plan of intentions” and should already be an action plan to help storm victims; he urged clearer, faster measures for municipalities still seeking inclusion under calamity rules.
Update: Finance debate: PTRR may need tax funding
CNN Portugal reports the budget side of the PTRR is now under public debate, with a warning that “Either we cut elsewhere or we will have to finance with taxes.” The comment raises the possibility of either spending cuts or new taxes to pay for the programme; tax-paying residents should follow consultation outcomes and upcoming budget decisions.
Recover Portugal (Recuperar Portugal) is the national mission structure set up to coordinate, monitor and manage Portugal's implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan, including preparing payment requests to the European Commission. The mission said the eighth payment request submitted in November 2025 is expected to be paid in February 2026, so businesses, contractors and municipalities waiting for PRR funds should follow its announcements.
Socialist Party (PS)
Portugal's other traditional major party suffered a historic collapse in the 2025 election, dropping from 78 to 58 seats and falling to third place for the first time in democratic history. The party was led by Pedro Nuno Santos from January 2024 until his resignation following the May 2025 defeat. José Luís Carneiro, a 53-year-old former Minister of Internal Administration known for his moderate positioning within the party, was elected unopposed as the new Secretary-General with 95% of votes in June 2025. The Socialist Party governed Portugal from 2015 to 2024, including an absolute majority from 2022 to 2024 under António Costa, who resigned in November 2023 amid a corruption investigation. The PS previously led the innovative "Geringonça" (contraption) coalition government from 2015-2019, a minority government supported by the Left Bloc and Portuguese Communist Party that reversed austerity measures and presided over economic recovery.
The PTRR is Portugal's Transformation, Recovery and Resilience plan, the national programme that channels EU recovery funding (NextGenerationEU) into investments and reforms after the COVID-19 shock. It totals about €16.6 billion in grants plus €2.7 billion in loans (≈€19.3 billion) and runs mainly from 2021–2026, financing projects in green transition, digitalisation and social infrastructure that affect public spending and investment decisions expats may notice in housing, transport and services.
The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has promulgated a decree from the Assembly establishing an extraordinary process to clear pending cases at medical boards that assess incapacity, RTP and Correio da Manhã report. The move aims to reduce long delays for incapacity decisions and speed up benefit or employment-related outcomes for affected people. Those awaiting medical-board (juntas médicas) rulings should track notices from the health ministry and the boards handling their case.
Electoral Mandate and Democratic Consensus:
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was elected President of Portugal on January 24, 2016, winning 52.0% of the vote in the first round—a decisive victory in a fragmented field. He campaigned as an independent, positioning himself as a unifying figure after years of austerity from Portugal's 2011–14 bailout, promising to repair political divisions and restore national confidence. His campaign emphasized moderation and cross-party consensus, a departure from his decades-long association with the center-right Social Democratic Party (PSD). Upon taking office on March 9, 2016, he suspended his party membership for the duration of his presidency.
His 2021 re-election proved extraordinary: Rebelo de Sousa secured 60.7% of the vote—the third-highest margin in Portuguese presidential electoral history since the 1974 Carnation Revolution. Historically, he became the first candidate ever to win in all 308 municipalities and the vast majority of parishes, ranging from 51.3% in Beja District to 72.16% in Madeira. This unprecedented sweep reflected his broad appeal across social, geographic, and ideological divides.
Constitutional Role and Crisis Leadership:
Portugal operates as a semi-presidential system where the president, while largely ceremonial, exercises meaningful influence over national security, foreign policy, and military affairs as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Rebelo de Sousa leveraged this authority during Portugal's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, he requested parliamentary authorization for a state of emergency—the first nationwide declaration in 46 years of democratic history—to contain the crisis. He voluntarily quarantined after potential COVID-19 exposure in March 2020, and later tested positive in January 2021 while remaining asymptomatic. His measured handling of the pandemic, balancing public health with institutional continuity, contributed to his landslide 2021 re-election.
Diplomatic Engagement and International Presence:
Rebelo de Sousa has conducted extensive state visits representing Portugal's interests across diverse regions: the Vatican, Spain, Mozambique, Morocco, Brazil, Switzerland, Cuba, the United Kingdom, Greece, the United States, and Angola. A notable diplomatic highlight occurred in 2019 when he joined President Emmanuel Macron at the Bastille Day military parade in Paris, representing European military cooperation and the European Intervention Initiative. These engagements positioned Portugal as an active participant in global affairs, particularly regarding colonial history and Atlantic security partnerships.
Colonial Legacy and Historical Accountability:
During his presidency, Rebelo de Sousa has publicly supported making restitution and acknowledging abuses committed during Portugal's colonial history and the country's role in the Atlantic slave trade. This position marked a significant policy shift, as Portugal historically avoided confronting its imperial past compared to other European powers. His stance reflected evolving attitudes within Portuguese society toward historical accountability.
Controversies and Public Criticism:
Rebelo de Sousa's presidency has not been without controversy. In 2023, allegations emerged that he had intervened to expedite treatment for Brazilian twins with Zolgensma, an expensive rare disease medication, raising questions about presidential influence and potential corruption. These claims implicated his son and generated criticism across Portuguese political and media sectors. Additionally, in April 2024, Rebelo de Sousa made controversial remarks comparing the speed of Prime Ministers António Costa and Luís Montenegro using orientalist language that drew public rebuke. In August 2025, he called U.S. President Donald Trump a "Russian asset" at a PSD event, demonstrating his willingness to make provocative foreign policy statements.
Constitutional Constraints and Legacy:
Under Portugal's constitution, Rebelo de Sousa is barred from running for a third consecutive term, meaning his presidency concludes with elections scheduled for January 18, 2026. His decade-long tenure has established him as one of Portugal's most popular recent heads of state, characterized by broad consensus-building and institutional stability. Whether future presidents can replicate his cross-party appeal remains an open question for Portuguese democracy as it enters a new era.
An junta médica (medical board) is a panel of doctors who produce formal reports to assess medical incapacity, disability, sick leave or fitness for procedures; those reports are used by Social Security and courts to decide benefits and legal outcomes. Backlogs in junta médica decisions can delay payments, access to treatment or surgery, so the president's recent decree to clear pending cases aims to speed up those assessments; residents awaiting decisions should check the status with Social Security (Segurança Social) or their treating doctor.
The President of the Republic (Presidente da República) is Portugal’s elected head of state, chosen by popular vote for a five-year term. The president signs or can veto laws, formally appoints the prime minister, and may dissolve parliament and call elections — powers that matter during events like the 2026 presidential run-off.
The government-appointed coordinator for the response to storm Kristin (tempestade Kristin) said the extreme weather affecting about 60 municipalities may be “the largest contemporary natural catastrophe” in the country and estimated losses could reach €6 billion. Paulo Fernandes, named to lead on-the-ground coordination, warned of substantial recovery needs and urged fast, organised support for displaced families and damaged infrastructure. Residents and property owners in affected areas should follow municipal notices and expect inspections, aid applications and potential temporary measures.
Update: How to request state disaster aid
A new guide published by national outlets explains eligibility and the application steps for state disaster assistance, setting out who can apply and what documentation is required. The coverage is practical: affected households and businesses are being told where to submit claims and which municipal or central-government services to contact as recovery programmes are set up.
Storm Kristin is a named storm that recently hit parts of Portugal, bringing heavy rain and strong winds that caused roof collapses, flooding and other damage. Local authorities have issued safety warnings and emergency responses; residents should follow civil protection advice, avoid damaged buildings and stay away from flooded areas.
A state of calamity (estado de calamidade) is a government-declared emergency used after natural disasters or severe storms to speed up response and resource allocation. In Portugal it lets civil protection and other authorities coordinate evacuations, impose temporary restrictions and authorize exceptional spending to manage events like the recent storms.
Foreign workers now account for 17.6% of Social Security (Segurança Social) contributors, with about 840,000 immigrant professionals contributing in December 2025 — a 5.4‑fold rise since 2015 — the Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security (Ministério do Trabalho, Solidariedade e Segurança Social) said. Total contributions from foreigners exceeded €4.1 billion last year, roughly 8.5 times the €491 million recorded a decade earlier; the government framed the release to counter false narratives about immigrants. Público also notes the positive balance between contributions and benefits has grown strongly and that monthly statistics will be published going forward. Taxpayers and residents should watch the regular data releases to see how workforce composition affects Social Security finances.
Update: Positive balance rose ninefold; monthly stats start Friday
Público reports the positive balance between contributions and benefits has increased by more than nine times over the past 11 years, and that Social Security will begin publishing contributor statistics monthly starting this Friday. RTP and other outlets confirm the broad figures already cited by the ministry, reinforcing the scale of the recent rise in foreign contributions.
Update: Sources diverge; ECO cites €4.15bn, 14% share
New reporting shows differing headline figures: ECO reports contributions from foreign nationals rose about 760% to €4.148 billion in 2025 and states foreigners make up roughly 14% of contributors, while other outlets describe eightfold or 8.5x increases and some reports repeat a 17.6% share. The mismatch appears to come from different calculation windows and datasets; the ministry's move to publish monthly statistics should resolve method and timing differences once the new series begins.
CNN Portugal publishes a practical guide on state assistance for people affected by the storms, outlining who may be eligible, what evidence is needed and how to apply for help tied to a state of calamity. The piece walks through municipal and central government steps to request emergency aid and links to forms and contact points. Residents and property owners in affected areas should check municipal guidance and deadlines to secure available support.
A state of calamity (estado de calamidade) is a government-declared emergency used after natural disasters or severe storms to speed up response and resource allocation. In Portugal it lets civil protection and other authorities coordinate evacuations, impose temporary restrictions and authorize exceptional spending to manage events like the recent storms.
The United States Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that former President Donald Trump exceeded his authority when he imposed broad tariffs in 2025, finding the use of the 1977 law inappropriate, multiple outlets report. The decision undermines a major pillar of the previous administration's trade policy and may reduce uncertainty for global trade partners. Portuguese importers and exporters should watch how US policy and tariffs evolve, as changes could affect supply chains and prices.
The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) is a U.S. federal law from 1977 that lets the president, after declaring a national emergency, regulate trade, impose sanctions, or block assets for national-security or foreign-policy reasons. The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision found the president lacked authority under IEEPA to impose certain tariffs, a ruling that can change how trade measures are used and affect import costs and supply chains relevant to consumers and businesses in Portugal.
Testimonies collected from immigrants will form the basis of legal action against Portugal at the European Court of Human Rights (Tribunal Europeu dos Direitos Humanos), the lawyer coordinating the effort told Lusa and Público. The campaign, led publicly by Brazilian lawyer Amanda Abreu, accuses Portugal of failing to follow its own laws and blocking access to proper documentation; organisers say they will move forward with the case within weeks. This could prompt scrutiny of document access and administrative procedures for migrants; those awaiting residency papers or who work with migrant support groups should monitor developments and legal guidance.
The European Court of Human Rights (Tribunal Europeu dos Direitos Humanos) is an international court in Strasbourg that enforces the European Convention on Human Rights and issues binding judgments against Council of Europe member states (46 countries). Established in 1959, it hears complaints from individuals and governments and can require states to pay compensation or change policies, but cases often take several years and usually require domestic remedies to be exhausted first.
Public Administration employees began receiving agreed salary increases on February 20, with retroactive payments from January, lifting the Public Administration base salary (remuneração base da Administração Pública) to €934.99 from €878.41 — a 6.44% rise. Workers with gross monthly pay up to €2,734.36 will see a fixed increase of €56.58, while higher salaries are adjusted by 2.15%; the change stems from a new agreement signed with two public-sector unions. Public-sector staff should check payrolls for retroactive payments and employers or contractors should budget for the higher wage bill.
The Public Administration (Administração Pública) is Portugal's central, regional and local government bodies and the public-sector workforce that deliver services like healthcare, education and municipal functions. A pay rise announced on 20 February 2026 raised the state's base public-sector salary to €934.99 with retroactive payments back to January 2026, so employees and those who contract with state bodies should expect updated payrolls and potential budget effects.
The president of the Portuguese Environment Agency (Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente or APA) said southern reservoirs are “literally full” and contain enough stored water to last two to three years, with the potential to break national records in some basins. The assessment covers water quantity rather than long-term supply risks tied to demand or distribution, but it eases short-term drought concerns for irrigation and urban supply in the south. Those in the Algarve and Alentejo should follow municipal and supplier notices about any operational restrictions or water-saving guidance.
Update: Reservoirs 95% full, 12,610 hm³ stored
New reporting gives national figures: continental Portugal currently holds about 12,610 cubic hectometres (hm³) of water, roughly 95% of total reservoir capacity, and the APA says some basins could break storage records by the end of February. The coverage also notes a contrast between the south — where reservoirs are full — and wetter conditions in parts of the north, which affects regional water management and distribution planning.
APA is the Portuguese Environment Agency (Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente), the national authority that evaluates environmental impacts, enforces environmental law and issues licences or opinions on projects. Its opinions—such as the recent unfavourable view on the Lagoa Salgada mine—carry weight in permitting decisions and can delay or block projects that threaten water or other natural resources.
Alentejo is a large region in southern Portugal that covers roughly one-third of the country and is known for agriculture, vineyards, historic towns like Évora, and rural tourism. Bad weather that damages structures and tourist units in Alentejo can disrupt local services and bookings, so visitors and business owners in the region should expect possible closures and repair costs.
A cubic hectometre (hm³) is a volume unit equal to 1 million cubic metres (1,000,000 m³), which is the same as 1 billion litres. Water authorities and reservoir reports in Portugal use hm³ to state stored water, so figures quoted in hm³ show how much usable water there is and help estimate how long supplies will last.
The Portuguese Environment Agency (Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente or APA) is the national body that implements environmental policy, monitors water quality, and oversees coastal and waste management. Its work includes classifying and monitoring bathing waters and beaches under EU rules, so its reports affect which areas are declared safe for swimming.
The Portuguese Environment Agency (Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente or APA) is the national body that enforces environmental law, reviews environmental impact assessments and issues official opinions on major projects. Its formal opinions carry legal weight in planning decisions, so a negative APA opinion can force changes or halt projects like the proposed Port of Leixões expansion.
The government has received 1,922 requests from companies seeking support to maintain jobs after recent bad weather, the labour minister said, according to RTP. The applications are from firms in affected areas asking for emergency measures to avoid layoffs. Employers and workers in impacted sectors should monitor ministry announcements about eligibility and processing of support requests.
The government launched a multi-phase programme (PTRR will be approved in April) with targets running through 2034, aiming to reform state services, reuse existing schemes and open the door to hiring immigrants, Observador reports. The plan will be implemented in three phases and seeks structural change across public administration. Job-seekers and employers — including those recruiting foreign workers — should watch recruitment rules and later calls for proposals.
The PTRR is Portugal's Transformation, Recovery and Resilience plan, the national programme that channels EU recovery funding (NextGenerationEU) into investments and reforms after the COVID-19 shock. It totals about €16.6 billion in grants plus €2.7 billion in loans (≈€19.3 billion) and runs mainly from 2021–2026, financing projects in green transition, digitalisation and social infrastructure that affect public spending and investment decisions expats may notice in housing, transport and services.
The Public Administration (Administração Pública) is Portugal's central, regional and local government bodies and the public-sector workforce that deliver services like healthcare, education and municipal functions. A pay rise announced on 20 February 2026 raised the state's base public-sector salary to €934.99 with retroactive payments back to January 2026, so employees and those who contract with state bodies should expect updated payrolls and potential budget effects.
The Ordem dos Médicos is calling for an urgent investigation into deaths linked to healthcare waiting lists, Correio da Manhã reports, increasing pressure on the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS). The association wants a formal apuramento (inquiry) to identify causes and prevent future harm. Those relying on public healthcare should follow developments and expect government responses on capacity and triage.
Update: Director changes wording; regional body to meet
Público reports the director of the Santo António service initially mentioned ten deaths tied to waits but later spoke of “clinical deterioration,” while the Ordem dos Médicos' northern section will meet with service directors who sent a letter to the health minister to press for a formal inquiry and answers.
The Ordem dos Médicos is Portugal’s professional medical association that registers doctors, enforces ethical rules and can discipline members. It issues formal opinions and can challenge health policies or laws, so its objections matter when a programme like the Waitlist Recovery Programme changes how patients are referred or treated.
An apuramento (fact-finding review or investigation) is the process of clarifying what happened in a specific incident, usually through internal reviews, audits or external inspections. In a healthcare context it is used to verify causes and timelines when patient deaths or clinical deterioration are reported, and its findings can lead to changes in practice, disciplinary measures or formal reports to health authorities.
