The government received 39 repatriation requests from Portuguese citizens in Israel, and two of 13 Portuguese residents in Iran have left after the attacks, the Secretary of State for Portuguese Communities said. Consular teams are monitoring the situation and assisting nationals who request help; numbers may change as situations evolve on the ground. Portuguese citizens travelling or living in those regions should follow official consular guidance and register with local embassy services if they need assistance.

Four major banks operating in Portugal — Caixa Geral de Depósitos, BCP, Santander and BPI — reported combined profits of about €4.398 billion for 2025, a roughly 5% rise on 2024, according to multiple reports. The growth is driven mainly by strong results at Caixa Geral de Depósitos and BCP, while analysts note performance will depend on loan quality and interest‑rate dynamics this year. Customers should not expect immediate service changes, but savers and borrowers should watch for shifts in fees or lending policy as banks react to market conditions.

Update: Banks bought €11bn public debt

New reporting says national banks moved to protect margins by adding roughly €11 billion of Portuguese public debt to their portfolios as interest rates fell, with Caixa Geral de Depósitos and BCP among those increasing holdings toward the end of 2025.

Multiple outlets report a storm system named Regina will reach Portugal on Monday and Tuesday with rain and strong winds. Some sources (Observador, CNN Portugal) warn of gusts up to 120 km/h and waves that could reach around 11 metres on exposed coasts, while Publico and Expresso cite the IPMA (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera) saying it does not expect 'significant effects' nationwide. Residents in coastal and exposed areas should monitor official local alerts and expect rough seas and windy conditions in the coming days.

Update: More than 80 flights cancelled in Madeira

More than 80 flights were cancelled at Madeira Airport as Regina hit the islands, and Madeira Civil Protection (Proteção Civil da Madeira) issued precautionary warnings for the region; national outlets report the system is also sending heavy rain and windy conditions to the Algarve and southern Portugal.

ECO summarises monthly tax and reporting obligations for companies and households, noting invoicing rules under Model 10 (Modelo 10) and a March 2 deadline for the IRS Model 37 (Modelo 37) declaration listed by EContas. The piece is a reminder that businesses and families must keep on top of multiple filings this month to avoid penalties. Taxpayers and business owners should check the full EContas checklist and their AT online account for specific deadlines.

Negotiations over the government's proposed labour law reform continue amid disagreements on contracts, outsourcing and other measures. UGT presented an extensive counterproposal while the Confederation of Portuguese Business (CIP) offered its own set of suggestions; none have ruled out a deal but differences remain. Workers, employers and those hiring help should follow talks: changes to contracting and outsourcing rules could affect labour costs and hiring practices.

The sector regulator says Portugal's recycling performance is 'insufficient', with median collection rates near unsatisfactory levels and poor access to recycling points. It called on municipalities to 'get their house in order', highlighting that ease of access to containers and participation must improve to meet targets. People should report badly serviced areas to their local council as municipalities face pressure to expand and improve pontos de reciclagem (recycling points).

Reports from Tehran describe a mix of mourning, celebration and protests after confirmation of Ali Khamenei's death, with large crowds in Enghelab Square and varied public reactions. The immediate domestic unrest and regional uncertainty may feed into broader geopolitical tensions and, together with disruptions at key sea routes, could affect energy markets. Those tracking regional security or with family in Iran should monitor travel and consular advisories.

More than 500 people protested in Barreiro against plans to close the obstetrics emergency department and maternity services, and mayors from the Setúbal Peninsula plan to take the issue directly to the Health Minister. Local officials, including Barreiro's mayor Frederico Rosa, say they will publicly challenge the ministry over consultations and service access for the region. Residents near Barreiro should follow municipal announcements in case services are restructured or alternative arrangements are announced.

Publico reports that around 516,000 nationality requests are currently pending at the Instituto dos Registos e Notariado, leaving applicants like Marinalda — who has waited three years for nationality by marriage — in limbo. The backlog covers several types of applications and is slowing life plans for families and workers who need Portuguese citizenship for rights such as voting or simplified travel within the EU. Applicants should check their case status directly with the Instituto dos Registos e Notariado and consider legal assistance if urgent documents or rights are affected.

André Ventura, president of Chega, proposed creating a parliamentary commission on state reform to be chaired by former prime minister Pedro Passos Coelho, and rejected that Passos poses a threat to his party. The proposal adds a new political angle to debates over public administration and social policy and could shape parliamentary discussion if it gains support. Politically engaged residents should watch for developments in parliament and any legislative moves that affect public services.

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.

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.

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.

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.