Portugal's Directorate-General of Health reports an increase in fetal and infant mortality for 2024, highlighting concerns over maternal age, regional disparities, and health inequalities among foreign-born mothers.
Lusa and RTP workers are protesting against recent statutory changes and a lack of government transparency, fearing political interference and uncertainty regarding the potential consolidation of the two media entities.
The Public Prosecution Service has indicted 15 individuals and six companies for orchestrating a large-scale illegal immigration network that utilized fraudulent employment contracts and social security records to secure visas.
The ACSS clarifies that new NHS registration rules, aimed at updating inactive user lists, will not result in a loss of healthcare access for patients.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro faces criticism over his labour reform agenda, with commentators suggesting the government is distancing itself from a potentially failing policy while Montenegro defends his commitment to action-oriented reform.
The ongoing conflict in Iran is triggering economic instability, leading to rising inflation and expectations of interest rate hikes by the ECB, which will directly increase mortgage costs for families in Portugal.
The Public Prosecutor's Office has archived the investigation into controversial campaign posters by Chega leader André Ventura, ruling that while the content may be subject to civil penalties, it does not constitute a criminal offense under the Penal Code, citing political freedom of expression.
The government has approved new regulations to resolve undivided inheritances, aiming to boost housing supply and enhance fire prevention efforts.
Municipal leaders have pushed back against Minister Castro Almeida's accusations that local councils are responsible for delays in housing reconstruction support, arguing that the government failed to provide necessary resources and shifted the administrative burden onto them without consultation.
A recent report reveals that half of Europeans do not utilize public transport, with Portugal exceeding this average, while countries like Luxembourg, Estonia, and Sweden show the highest usage rates.
The Portuguese government is set to approve tenancy law reforms this Thursday to accelerate eviction processes for non-payment, aiming to restore landlord confidence and increase the supply of habitable rental properties in major metropolitan areas.
Portugal held 1.56 million tonnes of petroleum reserves in the final quarter of last year, with the government announcing plans to release 10% of these strategic stocks to help stabilize fuel prices amid global supply concerns.
Today's top news from Portugal.
A new report from the Directorate-General of Health (Direção-Geral da Saúde or DGS) shows an increase in fetal and infant mortality rates across Portugal in 2024. The fetal mortality rate rose to 4.1 per 1,000 births, while infant mortality reached 3.0 per 1,000 live births. Parents and expectant families should note that the DGS is calling for strengthened prevention strategies to address these complex social and health trends.
Update: Maternal age linked to increased risk in new report
New data from the DGS reveals that more than half of maternal deaths recorded between 2020 and 2024 occurred in women aged 35 or older. The report confirms that 61.8% of these deaths involved pregnancies considered to be at higher risk due to age. Expectant mothers over 35 should be aware that health authorities are emphasizing the need for closer monitoring during and after pregnancy.
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.
The Public Prosecution Service (Ministério Público) has charged 15 individuals and six companies for running a network that facilitated illegal immigration. The group allegedly created fraudulent Social Security (Segurança Social) records to help over 2,000 foreign citizens obtain work visas and residency. Those awaiting residency should ensure their documentation is handled by reputable legal professionals to avoid involvement in such schemes.
The Public Prosecutor's Office (Ministério Público) is the independent body that leads criminal investigations and represents the state in court. It gets involved in cases like a long-delayed INEM response because it can order autopsies, investigate potential criminal negligence or procedural failures, and decide whether to bring charges or recommend disciplinary action.
The Public Prosecution Service (Ministério Público) has archived an investigation into campaign posters by Chega leader André Ventura that targeted the Roma community and immigrants. Prosecutor Carlos Rodrigues concluded that while the messages might be subject to civil or administrative penalties, they do not constitute a crime of incitement to hatred under the Penal Code. The decision emphasizes that the posters are protected by political freedom of expression.
André Ventura, born January 15, 1983, is a lawyer, academic, and Portugal's most prominent far-right leader. He founded Chega ("Enough") in 2019 after his PSD mayoral campaign attacked the Romani community. Chega surged from 1.3% in 2019 to 22.8% in May 2025, becoming parliament's second-largest party and making Ventura Leader of the Opposition.
His platform emphasizes immigration restrictions, law-and-order policies, constitutional reform, and contains inflammatory anti-Romani rhetoric that has triggered multiple discrimination convictions and investigations. Politically classified as far-right by international media, Ventura cultivates alliances with European far-right figures including Marine Le Pen and Santiago Abascal.
He announced his 2026 presidential candidacy, polling at 18% alongside independent Admiral Gouveia e Melo. His rise ended Portugal's 50-year resistance to far-right parties.
Chega ("Enough") is a Portuguese far-right populist party founded in 2019 by André Ventura. It positions itself as an anti-establishment movement against what it calls a "rotten and corrupt system" of PS-PSD dominance. The party surged from 1.3% in 2019 to 22.8% in May 2025, becoming parliament's second-largest force with 60 seats. Chega's core platform emphasizes strict immigration control—ending automatic CPLP residency, deporting non-independent immigrants, implementing job-market quotas, and requiring five-year social security contributions before benefit access. It advocates radical constitutional reform, including reducing parliament to 100 members, abolishing the prime minister position for a presidential system, and dismantling public healthcare. Law-and-order policies include life imprisonment and chemical castration proposals.
The party is defined by inflammatory anti-Romani rhetoric, with Ventura convicted multiple times for discrimination. Chega maintains international alignments with European far-right figures including Marine Le Pen, Santiago Abascal, and Matteo Salvini. Mainstream Portuguese parties, including Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's government, have imposed a cordon sanitaire, refusing coalition with Chega despite its parliamentary strength.
Workers' committees from the national broadcaster RTP and the news agency Lusa have issued a joint statement expressing concern over the government's lack of transparency regarding future media policies. The groups are protesting potential consolidation and changes to Lusa's statutes, which they fear could lead to political interference. The Ministry of the Presidency has defended the changes, claiming they will make the agency more professional and less dependent on the government.
RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal) is Portugal's state-owned public service broadcaster, operating since 1935 (radio) and 1957 (television). It runs 8 television channels (including RTP1, RTP2, RTP3) and 7 radio stations (Antena 1, 2, 3), plus international services reaching Portuguese diaspora worldwide. Funded by a broadcasting tax on electricity bills and advertising revenue, RTP serves as Portugal's cultural reference, providing quality news, education, and entertainment. Its archive represents "irreplaceable heritage in Portuguese collective memory", and it pioneered online streaming with RTP Play in 2011. RTP connects "Portugal and the Portuguese to themselves, to each other, and to the world"
The government is amending the statutes of Lusa, Portugal's national news agency, to make the organization more professional and less influenced by political shifts. It is the primary source for breaking news and official reports, providing content to media outlets across the country. Those following local news should note that Lusa is often the first to report on government announcements and legislative changes.
The National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (Associação Nacional de Municípios Portugueses or ANMP) has rejected claims by Minister of Territorial Cohesion Manuel Castro Almeida, who blamed local councils for delays in housing reconstruction support. Mayors from heavily affected areas like Leiria and Alcácer do Sal argue the government has not yet provided the necessary funds for distribution. Residents awaiting storm repair subsidies should note that the dispute centers on whether local or central authorities are responsible for the slow validation of applications.
Manuel Castro Almeida is Portugal's Minister of Economy and Social Cohesion, a role cited in the article. On 17 February in Sobral de Monte Agraço he said over 4,000 companies had requested storm support totaling nearly €1 billion, figures tied to recent severe weather damage.
The National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (Associação Nacional de Municípios Portugueses or ANMP) is the umbrella group that represents Portugal’s 308 municipalities in talks with the central government. It negotiates funding, shared services and decentralisation plans—for example, it has been involved in the recent agreement to create a commission and a fund to transfer about 4,000 kilometres of roads to municipal control—so local services and road maintenance may shift to town councils that residents deal with directly.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has promised to use regulatory power to prevent fuel price speculation as costs at some stations again exceed two euros per liter. Energy Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho stated that while the market is tense, Portugal has not yet reached an 'energy emergency' that would trigger more drastic measures. Drivers should note that the government plans to release 10% of strategic oil reserves to help stabilize the market, though taxi federations are already requesting extraordinary support.
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.
Maria da Graça Carvalho, the Energy Minister, is a Portuguese engineer and politician affiliated with the Social Democratic Party (PSD) who has served as a Member of the European Parliament and held government roles connected to science and higher education policy. Her work on research and EU policy can affect funding and regulation that matter to professionals and students living in Portugal.
The Central Administration of the Health System (Administração Central do Sistema de Saúde or ACSS) clarified that new registration rules for primary care will not result in patients losing access to the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS). The update aims to clean up patient lists that do not reflect reality and ensure family doctors (médicos de família) can focus on those needing regular care. SNS patients should be aware that these administrative changes are intended to improve service efficiency rather than restrict care.
The Central Administration of the Health System (Administração Central do Sistema de Saúde or ACSS) is updating its records to ensure that public health resources are allocated to those who actually need them. This process involves removing inactive users from lists to better reflect the current population using the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS). SNS patients should be aware that accurate registration is necessary to maintain access to primary care (cuidados de saúde primários).
The government is set to approve changes to tenancy laws (Lei do Arrendamento) this Thursday to expedite judicial decisions for non-payment of rent. The measures, led by Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Miguel Pinto Luz, aim to restore landlord confidence and bring thousands of vacant properties back to the market. Tenants should note that while the reform targets persistent non-payment, the government has stated it will include protections for vulnerable residents.
Update: New rules for undivided inheritances and evictions
The Council of Ministers (Conselho de Ministros) has approved three bills to resolve impasses in undivided inheritances (heranças indivisas) and speed up evictions for rent arrears. Minister of the Presidency (Ministro da Presidência) António Leitão Amaro explained that after two years of an inheritance being accepted, a single heir can now initiate a property sale to prevent one person from blocking the process. The government will consult Parliament next week, aiming to finalize the laws by the end of the month.
Miguel Pinto Luz is Portugal's Minister of Infrastructure. On Feb 24, 2026 he told journalists in Viseu that works on the A1 motorway in the Coimbra area would be fully completed and traffic restored to four lanes by the end of that week.
The Lei do Arrendamento (Leasing Law) is the primary legal framework governing rental agreements in Portugal. Recent government updates aim to speed up evictions for non-payment while maintaining protections for vulnerable residents to encourage more property owners to enter the rental market. Tenants should note that these changes may affect notice periods and dispute resolution processes.
The Council of Ministers (Conselho de Ministros) is Portugal’s national cabinet where the prime minister and ministers meet to approve government decisions, laws and emergency measures. In crises it can decide on declarations such as a state of calamity and the measures that follow; those decisions are then published in the Diário da República. Residents should note that a Council declaration can unlock national aid, resources and civil protection support for affected municipalities.
António Leitão Amaro is Portugal's Minister of the Presidency (Ministro da Presidência) in the government led by Luís Montenegro. He is a key figure in the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD) and often is the government's spokesperson. Those following housing and rental policy should note his role in announcing the June 2024 measures regarding evictions and inheritances.
The Portuguese Environment Agency (Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente or APA) has announced a ‑111 million plan to repair coastal damage caused by winter storms. Approximately ‑15 million will be spent before the start of the bathing season (época balnear) in May to restore beach access and infrastructure. Beachgoers should note that nearly half of the planned repairs focus on improving safe access to the shoreline.
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.
The Air Force shooting range (Campo de Tiro) will move from Alcochete to Alter do Chão to allow for the construction of the new Lus de Cames Airport. Minister of National Defence Nuno Melo confirmed the relocation, which will bring 200 military personnel and their families to the Portalegre district. Residents in the new location have been assured that environmental safeguards and local agricultural activities will be maintained.
Nuno Melo is the president of CDS-PP (Centro Democrático e Social – Partido Popular), a Christian democratic party in Portugal. In the story he linked Chega's position to socialism, compared André Ventura to Donald Trump, and urged party members to vote 'in conscience' in the presidential runoff on the 8th, a stance that could affect centre‑right voters.
The Security Intelligence Service (Serviço de Informações de Segurança or SIS) has issued an alert regarding a foreign state campaign targeting WhatsApp and Signal accounts. The operation uses social engineering and AI-generated content to trick government officials, diplomats, and military personnel into compromising their data. Residents should be cautious of unsolicited messages or unusual requests for account verification codes.
The Security Intelligence Service (Serviço de Informações de Segurança or SIS) is Portugal's internal intelligence agency responsible for protecting the state against espionage, terrorism, and cyber threats. It focuses on gathering and analyzing information and does not have police powers like the authority to make arrests. The agency recently issued a warning about foreign state-sponsored campaigns targeting the private messaging accounts of government and military personnel.
President António José Seguro concluded his two-day inauguration program with visits to Arganil, Guimarães, and Porto. He pressured the government for more action and fewer words regarding aid for wildfire victims in the interior (interior). The tour emphasized territorial cohesion (coesão territorial) and a commitment to a country where every region counts. Residents should note that the President's first official tour will focus on the central region.
Background:
António José Martins Seguro (born March 11, 1962, in Penamacor) is a lawyer, political scientist, and Socialist Party politician running for president in Portugal's January 18, 2026 election. He led Socialist Youth (1990-1994), served as MEP (1999-2001), was Minister Adjunct to PM António Guterres (2001-2002), and led the PS parliamentary group (2004-2005). Elected PS Secretary-General in 2011 with 68%, he led the opposition during Portugal's bailout era. In 2014, António Costa defeated him in party primaries by a landslide, prompting Seguro's resignation and decade-long retreat from politics. He returned in 2025, launching the movement UPortugal and announcing his presidential candidacy in June. He received official PS backing in October 2025. Political Philosophy:
Seguro positions himself as representing a "modern and moderate" left, offering a progressive alternative to conservative candidates. He advocates for "financial responsibility but critical of austerity," attempting to reposition the PS at center-left. His campaign emphasizes institutional trust, efficient governance, and hope for a better future.
Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro has pledged to strengthen the independence of the national news agency, Agência Lusa. Amaro stated the government wants to move away from past eras where the state exerted too much control over editorial content. Residents should note that the government aims to comply with the European Media Freedom Act to ensure a more robust and transparent media environment.
Former Vice-Prime Minister Paulo Portas addressed the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD) conference, calling for policy consistency in a “volatile and dangerous” world. Portas argued that increasing productivity (produtividade) is the only sustainable way to improve average wages in Portugal. Those living in Portugal should note that Prime Minister Luís Montenegro attended the session to hear the veteran politician's views on demographic decline.
Paulo Portas is a Portuguese politician and the former leader of the CDS–PP (Centro Democrático e Social – Partido Popular). He often appears in media commentary—according to the story he used his weekly TVI slot to announce he will vote for António José Seguro in the presidential run-off.
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.
Complaints regarding real estate mediation (mediação imobiliária) reached a historic high in 2025, driven by issues with property reservations and customer service. Many disputes involve the promissory purchase and sale agreement (Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda or CPCV). Those seeking housing should be aware of their rights when dealing with agents and ensure all reservation payments are properly documented.
