Miguel Albuquerque has been re-elected as the leader of the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD) in Madeira, receiving 98% of the votes in an uncontested election. Despite being a formal suspect (arguido) in an ongoing legal investigation, Miguel Albuquerque will continue to lead both the regional party and the Regional Government (Governo Regional). Madeira residents should note that he has led the party since 2014.

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS) leader José Luís Carneiro met to discuss the ongoing impasse regarding elections for external parliamentary bodies. Following the meeting, José Luís Carneiro noted that while the conversation was practical, a final agreement is still pending, specifically regarding the Constitutional Court (Tribunal Constitucional). Those following national politics should note that the deadlock has delayed the appointment of officials to several independent regulatory and judicial oversight roles.

The national postal service (CTT - Correios de Portugal) reported a net profit of €50.7 million for 2025, an 11.4% increase driven largely by e-commerce and its banking division. The announcement comes as CEO João Bento prepares to leave the company after seven years at the helm. Shareholders should note that the board has proposed a dividend payment of 19 cents per share following the strong financial performance.

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro is attending a European Council (Conselho Europeu) summit in Brussels to advocate for a 'guiding framework' for energy crises. The proposal includes triggering crisis management mechanisms or allowing exceptional state aid to protect consumers and businesses from price volatility. Residents should note that the summit is also expected to address geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and funding for Ukraine.

The Regional Government of the Azores (Governo Regional dos Açores) has directed the airline group SATA to begin a new privatization process for Azores Airlines through private negotiation. This move follows a previous unsuccessful attempt and aims to find a stable private partner for the carrier. Travelers to and from the archipelago should note that the government seeks to reduce its financial burden while maintaining essential air links.

A report from the Inspector-General of Health (Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde) states that the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) was unprepared to handle unforeseen events during recent strikes. The investigation found that while INEM had prior knowledge of the labor actions, it failed to organize an adequate response to maintain emergency services. Those relying on public healthcare should be aware of these identified organizational weaknesses during periods of industrial action.

A standoff between the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD), the Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS), and Chega has delayed the election of three judges to the Constitutional Court (Tribunal Constitucional). PS Secretary-General José Luís Carneiro called it unacceptable that his party might be excluded from the nominations by a right-wing majority. Meanwhile, Chega is facing internal friction in Lisbon as councillor Bruno Mascarenhas refuses to resign despite calls from within his party following a housing controversy.

The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA) has issued warnings for Storm Therese (Depressão Therese), which is expected to affect the country until Saturday. The storm will have the greatest impact on the Center and South regions, bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and potential localized extreme wind phenomena. Residents in coastal areas south of Cabo Mondego and inland south of Serra da Estrela should prepare for gusts reaching up to 70 km/h.