One month after storm Kristin, Leiria hospital is still feeling the effects: in the first six hours after the storm 177 polytrauma patients arrived at the emergency department, staff worked without communications, roads remained blocked and many people reached the hospital in their own cars. Medical teams say the surge and infrastructure problems have left services stretched and recovery of normal operations is ongoing. Those relying on emergency care in the Leiria district should expect delays and follow local health unit notices.

The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) does not rule out new floods this week as rain is forecast to return and persist until Sunday, raising the risk of local flash floods in vulnerable areas. Authorities and local civil protection services may issue alerts if conditions worsen; residents in flood‑prone zones should review evacuation plans and secure property. Those travelling this week should check local warnings and allow extra time for journeys.

Former prime minister Pedro Passos Coelho argued that opening the doors to immigration was “a big mistake” and called for a new model to manage arrivals and integration. Speaking at a Lisbon conference he also said a return to frontline politics was unlikely, while proposing changes to public administration including Social Security and a potential new ministry. The comments have stirred debate inside the PSD and among policymakers, and could shape future immigration and social‑policy discussions.

After more than two decades of negotiation the EU‑Mercosur agreement has gained momentum, lowering tariffs and promising new access for European products to South American markets, including Brazil. Analysts say Portuguese exporters could benefit from reduced taxes and expanded supply‑chain options, though implementation details and standards will determine winners and losers. Exporters, importers and businesses tied to agricultural and industrial supply chains should follow how the deal is phased in and any rule‑of‑origin or sanitary requirements announced.

Local leaders in the Alentejo Litoral region, led by Vítor Proença of CIMAL (Comunidade Intermunicipal do Alentejo Litoral), have raised concerns about the 'dehumanisation' of services at the Hospital do Litoral Alentejano, citing reports of inadequate care for elderly and vulnerable patients. A meeting of municipalities and social institutions sought solutions and pledged coordinated action to improve care standards. Residents in the Alentejo Litoral should watch for local measures and any service reorganisations announced by municipal authorities.

Lenders warn that mortgage repayments that reset every six months will rise as reference rates remain high, meaning many borrowers face bigger instalments when their contracts reprice. The report says mortgages indexed to short‑term rates and updated semi‑annually will be most exposed, prompting some buyers to seek renegotiation or refinancing. Homeowners with variable contracts should check their loan terms and speak with their bank about options.

The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on sites in Iran, with officials saying they targeted locations where senior figures were gathered and Iran reporting civilian casualties that remain independently unconfirmed. European leaders reacted with concern: European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a joint call for “maximum restraint,” while France pressed for an urgent UN Security Council meeting. The strikes and diplomatic responses have already unsettled markets and raised travel‑security questions across the region. Those with travel plans or business tied to the Middle East should monitor government travel advice and airline notices.

Portuguese universities are reviewing assessment methods after widespread student use of artificial intelligence tools forced a rethink of traditional exams and essays. Institutions say they will not ban AI wholesale but will change how they test skills, moving toward oral exams, supervised assessments and revised plagiarism checks. Students should expect changes to exam formats and academic integrity rules this year. Anyone studying at a Portuguese university should check course notices and faculty guidance on permitted tools and new assessment dates.

The school year began March with about 250 fewer active teachers as a wave of retirements worsens staffing gaps, hitting areas previously less affected such as the north. School directors report classes and final‑year groups running without permanent teachers, raising concerns about continuity of lessons and exam preparation. Local education authorities will need rapid redeployment or substitute measures; parents and students should check with schools about temporary arrangements. Families with school‑age children should monitor notices from their local school or municipality.

Operations at Madeira International Airport were reported as returning to normal after two days of disruptions that cancelled more than 70 flights. ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal reported that all scheduled arrivals between 08:00 and 10:00 landed and only one departure was cancelled, though it kept alerts for weather forecasts. Travellers should still check their airline status and expect last‑minute schedule changes while conditions stabilise. Those flying to or from Madeira should reconfirm flights with carriers and monitor ANA notices.

The National Election Commission (CNE) has sent to the Public Prosecutor’s Office a complaint about an alleged offer of free transport tied to voting for Chega, saying investigators must determine whether the offer sought to influence voters. The CNE noted that offering transport is not automatically criminal unless it specifically appeals for votes or is conditioned on voting for a particular candidate. The referral could lead to a legal inquiry and, if proven, sanctions for the party or organisers. Political volunteers and voters should be aware that authorities are scrutinising campaign conduct ahead of upcoming ballots.

Standard & Poor's maintained Portugal's long‑ and short‑term sovereign rating at A+ and changed the outlook from stable to positive, citing economic resilience and falling net public debt. The agency said budget management and solid growth support the revision and that a positive outlook often precedes a future upgrade. Markets and the government may interpret this as validation of recent fiscal trends; investors should monitor finance ministry statements and bond market moves.

Hundreds of citizens, local mayors and health professionals from the Litoral Alentejano demonstrated in Lisbon with Comissões de Utentes calling for more doctors and nurses, improved hospitals and renovated health centres (centros de saúde). Protesters cited shortages of family doctors, degraded facilities and long waiting times that strain patient care. Residents of the Litoral Alentejano should track local service announcements and consider alternatives if they rely on limited primary care capacity.

An elderly woman died in an emergency-area observation ward at Gracia de Orta Hospital after triage and being directed to clinical observation, Correio da Manhã reports. The case has raised fresh concerns about waiting times and staffing in emergency services (serviço de urgência). Those relying on SNS care should be aware of local pressures on emergency departments and check alternatives for non-urgent needs.