The Government has actively engaged in revising labour law, presenting a draft bill on 24 July and reconvening the Permanent Commission for Social Dialogue in September. Following several meetings with business confederations and the UGT, a significant meeting is scheduled for 3 March to further discuss the labour law reform, indicating ongoing negotiations and collaboration among stakeholders.
The consortium led by Engie, which acquired six Douro dams from EDP in 2020, faces potential additional costs due to the Municipal Tax on Property Transfers (IMT) and Stamp Duty (IS). This situation arises if the Tax Authority applies its tax understanding to the deal's various phases, potentially leading to significant financial implications for the consortium.
Filipa Urbano Calvão from the Court of Auditors expresses a favorable stance towards reviewing the law regarding prior approval for contracts exceeding five million euros. The court opposes the immediate elimination of this requirement, countering government claims that it engages in political decision-making. The president of the Court of Auditors argues that the ongoing discussions about reforming prior approval are misguided.
Buying real estate in Portugal involves more than just a property transaction for international families; it is a strategic decision that encompasses tax implications, succession law, and asset management.
Mayors in Barreiro are opposing the closure of the obstetrics and gynaecology emergency unit, citing that over 16,000 births have occurred there between 2014 and 2024. They find the decision to close the unit incomprehensible, especially in light of ongoing healthcare challenges, such as ambulances being held for hours at other emergency departments due to high patient volumes.
The return of former Prime Minister Passos Coelho to the political scene has generated significant excitement. Coelho has openly criticized his successor, Luís Montenegro, for failing to form a legislative agreement with Chega and IL, despite having a parliamentary majority. He suggests that an alliance with Chega could benefit the PSD, despite the party's historical stance against racist rhetoric. Coelho also questions Montenegro's commitment to reforms, highlighting his own past austerity measures that cut pensions and social support. His shifting positions raise concerns about his integrity and the authenticity of his reformist agenda.
The new rector of Nova University of Lisbon, Paulo Pereira, has dismissed concerns regarding a potential reduction in faculty autonomy, labeling them as “completely unfounded” in a recent interview. He emphasized the need for improved cohesion among the university's various organic units, acknowledging that there is significant work to be done in fostering a more unified culture within the institution.
Fenprof has refused to engage in discussions with the Government regarding the teaching career statute, following the exclusion of another union, Stop, from negotiations due to a protest outside the Ministry of Education. Fenprof criticized the government's actions as undermining the right to protest and stated that they would not accept negotiations conducted under such conditions. The union left the meeting shortly after it began, without addressing any agenda items, in protest of the Secretary of State's stance on the matter.
A recent decree from the rector of Universidade Nova de Lisboa has mandated that all faculties must have names in Portuguese, leading to significant controversy and discussions about the potential separation of the School of Business and Economics (SBE). Critics argue that SBE would lose more than it would gain from such a separation, highlighting the complexities of institutional identity and language policy in higher education.
The government has accused the Stop union of failing to demonstrate good faith during negotiations, asserting that it will not engage in talks under pressure. The Secretary of State for Education highlighted that the union's protest during meetings was perceived as a disruption, leading to the government's refusal to negotiate. The Stop union chose to continue its protest rather than attend the meeting, prompting the government to emphasize that any disruption would prevent negotiations from occurring. This situation has also led to the Federação Nacional dos Professores (Fenprof) declining to meet with the government regarding the teaching career statute, criticizing the government's stance as unacceptable. The government is looking to implement changes to allow unqualified teachers to join the Ministry of Education, but unions are concerned about the implications of limited training opportunities.
Experts and patients are urging the Portuguese government to take decisive action against the growing obesity crisis, which currently impacts approximately two million adults in the country. They emphasize the need for effective policies and healthcare measures to address this public health issue.
The number of patients without an assigned family doctor has increased, reaching 1.6 million in January. This rise is attributed to a growing demand for healthcare services, with an additional 231,000 patients in the NHS over the past year.
Teachers staged a walkout after Fenprof said the Stop union was excluded from talks, while mayors escalate disputes over obstetrics emergency closures and reports of delayed ambulances in Faro. Storm Regina is forecast to bring strong gusts and heavy seas, with Saharan dust worsening air quality and Almada extending its landslide-risk alert. Travel and residency updates include a record 85,000 visitors at BTL and the end of postal visa applications for Brazilians from April, as pressure grows with 1.6 million residents still without a family doctor.
Fenprof, the national teachers' union, refused to continue negotiations with the Government over the teaching career statute after the ministry barred the union Stop from the meeting because it was protesting outside the Ministry of Education. Fenprof said it could not accept what it called an undermining of the right to protest; the Secretary of State for Education said the Government will not negotiate “under pressure.” Teachers and school staff should watch how the standoff affects progress on the career statute and any planned strike or industrial-action dates.
Fenprof is the National Federation of Teachers (Federação Nacional dos Professores), the main public‑school teachers' union in Portugal that represents teachers in pay, working conditions and education reforms. Its criticism matters because Fenprof can organize strikes and mobilise teachers, which directly affects school operations and the implementation of government changes — something families and expat educators should monitor.
The 36th BTL — Better Tourism Lisbon Travel Market — recorded about 85,000 visitors this year, its highest attendance yet, and organisers say the fair strengthened its international positioning. The result suggests continued strong demand in Portugal's tourism sector, with implications for travel businesses and seasonal staffing. Tourism professionals and those working in hospitality should note the momentum when planning promotions and recruitment.
BTL is the Bolsa de Turismo de Lisboa (Bolsa de Turismo de Lisboa), an annual tourism trade fair in Lisbon where industry professionals, regional promoters and public officials meet to promote destinations and policies. It matters because discussions and deals at BTL can shape how Portugal markets tourism and how policymakers address sector growth and pressures.
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.
Aviso amarelo (yellow warning) is the second level in Portugal's weather-alert system issued by the Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera (IPMA) to signal potentially dangerous conditions like heavy snow or rough seas. When districts are under aviso amarelo, expect travel disruption and take precautions—drivers, boaters and coastal residents in the affected areas should be especially alert.
Civil protection (Proteção Civil) is the national system that coordinates prevention, response and recovery for disasters and emergencies in Portugal; the Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil (ANEPC) oversees planning, warnings and coordination with fire brigades, police and municipal services. In weather events—such as snow or road closures around Serra da Estrela—Proteção Civil issues safety advisories, may close access routes and coordinates rescue and relief efforts, so people in affected areas should follow official guidance and call 112 for emergencies.
Mayors in Barreiro called the decision to close the obstetrics and gynaecology emergency unit (urgência de obstetrícia e ginecologia) incomprehensible, noting the unit recorded over 16,000 births between 2014 and 2024. Separately, the Algarve Local Health Unit (Unidade Local de Saúde do Algarve) said a peak in attendances caused long waits at Faro's Emergency Department but denied that temporary doctor shortages caused the six‑hour ambulance hold for stretchers. Pregnant women and residents near the affected hospitals should monitor local health-unit notices and alternative emergency arrangements.
Update: Minister maintains obstetric closure despite staff shortages
The Health Minister said the decision to concentrate emergency services will stand because of shortages of obstetricians, gynaecologists and specialist nurses, but she left open the possibility of reversing the closure if human resources improve; she described the concentration as a technical measure to ensure care. Mayors and local councils continue to protest and prepare political action against the decision.
The Algarve Local Health Unit (Unidade Local de Saúde do Algarve) is the public organisation that manages hospitals, primary care centres and emergency services across the Algarve region. Expats living in the Algarve rely on it for emergency care, specialist appointments and local public-health information, and should register with a family doctor in its network to access most services.
Almada City Council extended a local alert situation due to ongoing landslide danger, keeping a heightened municipal response and advising residents in vulnerable areas to follow official guidance. The “situação de alerta” may affect local services, road access and planned outdoor activities while assessments continue. Those living in affected zones should follow the Câmara's announcements and avoid risky slopes or coastal paths until the alert is lifted.
The Embassy of Portugal in Brasília announced that, from April 17, visa applications in Brazil must be submitted in person at VFS offices and postal applications sent after April 16 will be returned. The government says the move aims to “ensure greater efficiency and proximity to users,” but it will make applying harder for Brazilians who live far from VFS centres. Those planning travel to Portugal from Brazil should schedule appointments early and check the Embassy and VFS websites for procedures and required documents.
The Embassy of Portugal in Brasília is Portugal's main diplomatic mission in Brazil, responsible for political relations and overseeing consular services. It handles visas, passports and consular help for Portuguese citizens, and Brazilians or residents should check the embassy or nearby consulates for updated visa procedures mentioned in the recent news.
Correio da Manhã reports about 1.6 million patients in Portugal currently do not have a family doctor (médico de família), a gap that reduces access to routine care and referrals within the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde). The shortfall could mean longer waits for appointments and more pressure on hospital emergency departments for non-urgent issues. Those needing regular care should check local health centre lists and registration procedures for assigning a médico de família.
Family medicine (Medicina Geral e Familiar) is the medical specialty that provides continuous primary care through family doctors who manage common illnesses, chronic diseases and preventive care. In Portugal these specialists are the backbone of the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde); the story notes 57 doctors finished the specialty and 38 stayed in the NHS, giving family doctors to about 77,500 patients.
In Portugal, people register for a family doctor (médico de família) through the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) at their local health centre (Centro de Saúde) or a family health unit (Unidade de Saúde Familiar). If no doctor is available they join a waiting list and can use SNS urgent care or go to private clinics; recent reports put about 1.6 million people without a family doctor, so many who need faster access choose private care.
The president of the Vila Franca de Xira municipality said the possible permanent closure of obstetric emergency services at the local hospital is of “the greatest gravity,” and that the five municipalities served by the unit will contest the decision with the Government and bring the issue to Parliament. The move signals organised local resistance and could prompt national debate about how smaller hospitals retain urgent maternity services. Residents served by the hospital should follow municipal announcements and local political developments.
Multiple outlets report President Emmanuel Macron announced France will increase the number of nuclear warheads and adopt an 'advanced deterrence' posture, saying the country will stop publishing exact arsenal figures and may work more closely with European partners on deployments. The announcements mark a shift in French doctrine and have prompted international attention; Politico, Expresso and ECO highlight links to wider security concerns such as Russia and China's posture. The development is geopolitical rather than directly local, but expat readers following European defence policy should note potential changes to NATO and regional cooperation.
Emmanuel Macron is the President of France, first elected in 2017 and re‑elected in 2022, and is associated with the centrist Renaissance movement. He is engaging European counterparts about using EU tools like the anti‑coercion instrument to respond to international trade threats.
The Directorate-General of Health (Direção-Geral da Saúde) warned that mainland Portugal will see poor air quality on Tuesday and Wednesday (March 3–4) due to dust blown from North Africa, raising concentrations of inhalable particles. RTP, Observador, Correio and Dinheiro Vivo report the DGS advising elderly people and children to take extra precautions and recommending reduced outdoor activity during peak pollution. The issue is short-lived but can aggravate respiratory conditions and affect outdoor plans. Those with breathing problems or who care for vulnerable people should follow DGS guidance and local air-quality updates.
The Directorate-General for Health (Direção-Geral da Saúde) is Portugal’s national public health authority that issues guidance on disease control, health alerts and safety of food and water. After Storm Kristin it advised boiling or using bottled water if contamination is suspected, discarding food exposed to floodwater and keeping good hygiene when cleaning affected areas, guidance that residents and recovery workers should follow.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro said the bolstered resources for the 2026 Special Device for Combating Rural Fires (DECIR) must translate into better outcomes, warning against bureaucratic obstacles during a presentation in Ponte da Barca. Multiple outlets report he cited more vehicles, tracked machines and teams as part of the strengthened DECIR and demanded that investments deliver measurable improvements in fire suppression. The remarks signal continued government pressure on local authorities and agencies to improve readiness ahead of the fire season. Residents in high-risk rural areas should watch local civil-protection notices as coordination and resources are adjusted.
Luís Filipe Montenegro Cardoso de Morais Esteves (born February 16, 1973, in Porto) is a Portuguese lawyer and center‑right politician who has served as Prime Minister of Portugal since April 2, 2024. A long‑time member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), he is the leading figure of the post‑Troika generation of Portuguese conservatives. Montenegro was elected to the Assembly of the Republic in 2002 for the Aveiro district and remained an MP for 16 years, becoming PSD parliamentary leader from 2011 to 2017 during the bailout and austerity period under Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho. He was a prominent defender of strict austerity measures, arguing in 2014 that “the life of the people is no better, but the life of the country is a lot better,” a phrase that has followed his public image since. After an unsuccessful leadership bid against Rui Rio in 2020, Montenegro won the PSD leadership in 2022. He then forged the centre‑right Democratic Alliance (PSD–CDS‑PP and allies), which won a plurality of seats in the 2024 legislative election. Refusing to partner with the far‑right Chega, which he has called “often xenophobic, racist, populist and excessively demagogic,” he formed a minority government as head of the XXIV Constitutional Government on April 2, 2024. His first government fell in March 2025 after a no‑confidence vote linked to a conflict‑of‑interest affair, but fresh elections saw the Democratic Alliance increase its seat share, allowing Montenegro to return as prime minister leading the XXV Constitutional Government. His importance to Portugal lies in attempting to re‑center the traditional centre‑right after the crisis years, defending liberal‑conservative economics and EU alignment while drawing a sharp line against formal cooperation with the radical right, thus shaping how Portuguese democracy manages its new multi‑party era.
A trial opened March 2 into a network accused of facilitating illegal immigration and exploiting young footballers who slept in bunk beds under a stadium stand and received irregular pay and small allowances, Público reports. The defendants allegedly took advantage of about 11 young players promising routes into professional football, with testimony describing poor living conditions and below‑minimum remuneration. The case is a reminder of risks in informal recruitment channels and will be followed by advocates and families of young athletes. Those involved in youth sport recruitment should ensure contracts and living arrangements meet legal standards.
A Dinheiro Vivo analysis argues the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) needs a predictable, result-focused organisation, with Reference Centres and Hospital Referral Networks forming a structural pillar of quality and safety. The piece says formal universal access alone is not enough: without properly organised referral pathways and specialised centres, patient outcomes and system reliability suffer. The article highlights ongoing debates over how to structure specialised care in Portugal and how to measure results. Those who rely on the SNS should watch for administrative changes that could affect where and how specialised care is referred.
The Alfredo da Costa Maternity Hospital (Maternidade Alfredo da Costa) is Lisbon’s main public maternity centre and the busiest maternity within Portugal’s SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde). For residents and expectant parents it is a key referral hospital for high‑risk pregnancies and neonatal care and often handles more births and complex cases than other public units.
Hospital referral networks are organised groups of hospitals and specialised centres that handle complex cases and high‑level treatments within the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS). In Portugal these redes de referência hospitalar concentrate technical expertise and coordinate referrals, so they determine which hospitals patients (including residents and expats) are sent to for specialist care and can affect waiting times and travel for treatment.
Expresso reports the war in the Middle East has driven oil to one-year highs and European gas futures up by about 40%, a rise that is expected to affect consumer energy costs in Portugal. Analysts say fuels are likely to reflect the increases first, possibly as early as next week, which could push up household and transport costs. The immediate effect will be felt at the pumps and in short-term energy bills; longer-term impacts depend on how commodity markets and supply routes evolve. Drivers and households with tight budgets should monitor fuel prices and consider short-term cost-saving measures.
Higher crude oil prices raise wholesale fuel costs, and those increases typically reach Portuguese petrol and diesel pumps within days to weeks; the recent conflict has pushed oil to one‑year highs and European gas futures up roughly 40%, making fuel the first likely victim. Final pump prices also depend on taxes, VAT and distributor margins, so consumers should expect higher filling‑station bills but the exact change will reflect those tax and margin components as well as exchange rates.
The University of Minho (UMinho) will include five double-degree programmes in the 2026/27 national access competition, pairing Economics, Management and International Business in different combinations and calling itself the first public institution to do so. The university says the courses aim to better prepare graduates for a competitive and changing job market and will be available through the standard national admission process. Prospective students and families should check UMinho entry requirements and the national access timetable when applying. Applicants should note the new offerings when comparing programmes for 2026/27.
The national access competition (Concurso Nacional de Acesso) is Portugal’s central system for allocating undergraduate university places each year, using applicants’ secondary-school grades, entry exams and course-specific criteria. For 2026/27 an extra 21,500 places will be available through special access regimes and competitions (with recent additions to medicine — 62 places from UTAD’s new course and increases at Coimbra); applicants should check the annual deadlines and specific entry rules with the national admissions authority.
The University of Minho (Universidade do Minho) is a public university founded in 1973 with main campuses in Braga and Guimarães, known for engineering, economics and management programmes. It will offer five double‑degree options in the 2026/27 national access competition, which matters to applicants because it adds combined degree routes through Portugal's national entry system.
