Finance Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmento highlights Portugal's historic 0.7% budget surplus in 2025, driven by strong employment and social security contributions, while cautioning about the fiscal challenges and uncertainties ahead for 2026.
The article analyzes the economic impact of rising fuel prices in Portugal, highlighting the inflationary pressure on essential goods and the government's perceived inaction compared to neighboring Spain. It advocates for targeted fiscal interventions to support families and businesses while questioning the long-term sustainability of current tax policies.
Former French police officer Cédric Prizzon has been remanded in pre-trial detention in Portugal, facing multiple charges including the double homicide of his partners, child abuse, and kidnapping.
Former INEM official António Gandra d’Almeida alleges that emergency vehicles are being operated by staff lacking updated driving certifications, contributing to accidents and equipment wear, while other medical professionals criticize the institute's management and funding.
Former President Aníbal Cavaco Silva urges the current government to pursue structural reforms with firmness, while criticizing the PS for a lack of courage and Chega for a lack of credibility and preparation.
The current deadlock in appointing Constitutional Court judges reflects a problematic culture of ideological conquest, threatening the structural balance of the Portuguese democratic system and necessitating a reform of the selection process to reduce party monopoly.
A study on home care support services recommends a new model, increased regulation, differentiated funding, training, and career development.
The Portuguese economy faced challenges at the end of 2025 as declining productivity and rising wages drove up unit labour costs, while increased housing investment led to a slight reduction in household savings.
Portugal's tourism sector faces mixed results this Easter, with Lisbon and Porto experiencing a 10% decline in hotel bookings while the Algarve anticipates a 5% rise driven by last-minute demand amid broader economic caution.
PSD leader Hugo Soares declines to confirm any agreement with Chega regarding appointments to the Constitutional Court, maintaining a stance of silence on the negotiation process.
Fiscal policy has turned the IMT into a significant obstacle for families accessing housing.
The office market in Porto is experiencing high demand, with one-third of the 98,600 square metres currently under construction already reserved.
Portugal has achieved a landmark 0.7% budget surplus for 2025, providing a strong fiscal backdrop as Prime Minister Montenegro releases his past client list to resolve transparency concerns. While residents may see relief at the fuel pumps this Monday, the government continues to navigate a crisis in emergency services and rising food costs. Political stability improved today as parties finally agreed on Constitutional Court appointments, ending a long-standing deadlock.
Portugal achieved a budget surplus (excedente orçamental) of 0.7% of GDP in 2025, totaling over two billion euros. Finance Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmento described the result as historic but warned of a more demanding economic environment in 2026. The surplus was driven by high employment and social security contributions, though critics point to significant cuts in planned public investment. Residents should note that while the national accounts are balanced, the government expects slower growth ahead.
Joaquim Miranda Sarmento is Portugal’s Finance Minister who gave a hearing before the Budget, Finance and Public Administration Committee about fiscal measures affecting housing. His remarks matter to expats because finance ministry decisions — like exemptions and public guarantees for young homebuyers — influence the property market, taxes and programmes that can affect housing affordability.
Portugal recorded a budget surplus of 0.7% of Gross Domestic Product (Produto Interno Bruto or PIB) in 2023, a result the government describes as historic. This performance is notably stronger than the Eurozone average deficit of 3.6%, as well as deficits in France (5.5%), the UK (6.0%), and the United States (6.3%). The surplus helps the country reduce its public debt, though officials warn of future economic uncertainty.
A court in Vila Nova de Foz Côa ordered pre-trial detention (prisão preventiva) for Cédric Prizzon, a former French police officer suspected of killing his current and former partners. The 42-year-old faces eight charges, including qualified homicide, kidnapping, and domestic violence against his 18-month-old daughter. Prizzon was arrested near Bragança after traveling over 1,000 kilometers from France. Residents should note the suspect is currently held at the Guarda Prison while the investigation continues.
The National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) is facing criticism over claims that some staff are operating emergency vehicles without updated driving training. Former officials also allege that a lack of investment and disputes over helicopter service contracts have compromised the quality of care. These internal conflicts led some candidates to refuse leadership roles within the agency last year. Those requiring emergency medical assistance should be aware of potential service delays during ongoing labor disputes.
Minimum services (serviços mínimos) are the legally required basic services that must be maintained during a strike to protect public safety—in healthcare this typically covers emergency care, critical ambulance coverage and intensive care. They matter because the INEM workers' committee admitted that late or unclear communication about which teams would be available during the end-of-2024 strike may have reduced operational capacity and confused patients; as an expat, expect limited non-urgent care during strikes and check official updates or call 112 for true emergencies.
Legal experts are debating the selection process for the Constitutional Court (Tribunal Constitucional) as political parties remain deadlocked over new judge appointments. The current system requires a two-thirds majority in parliament, which has historically ensured a balance between the main political parties. Some argue this method now grants too much power to party interests, leading to calls for reform to protect judicial independence. Residents should note that these appointments are vital for ensuring the government's laws comply with the national constitution.
The Constitutional Court (Tribunal Constitucional) is Portugal's highest court for constitutional review, responsible for checking whether laws and statutes comply with the Constitution and for annulling or suspending unconstitutional measures. FNAM's push for a review matters because the court can strike down or block parts of the regional emergency services statute, directly affecting how emergency care is regulated.
The National Association of Fuel Retailers (Associação Nacional de Revendedores de Combustíveis) expects a slight drop in diesel and petrol prices starting Monday. However, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has caused Brent oil prices to fluctuate, making final costs at the pump difficult to predict. Some analysts are calling for a reduction in the 23% VAT (IVA) on fuel to provide relief to households facing high living costs. Drivers should check local station prices early next week for potential savings.
The National Association of Fuel Retailers (Associação Nacional de Revendedores de Combustíveis or ANAREC) represents gas station owners and fuel distribution businesses in Portugal. The group often explains why pump prices may stay high even when global oil prices drop, citing factors like operating costs and the tax on petroleum products (Imposto sobre Produtos Petrolíferos). For residents, ANAREC provides context on how international market changes and local taxes influence the final price at the pump.
A deal between the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD) and Chega, with potential support from the Liberal Initiative (Iniciativa Liberal or IL), appears to have broken the deadlock over appointing Constitutional Court (Tribunal Constitucional) judges. The breakthrough follows pressure from the President's office to ensure the Council of State (Conselho de Estado) can meet with a full membership on April 17. Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS) members, including Ana Catarina Mendes, have criticized the arrangement, arguing that Chega should not have a seat on a body dedicated to upholding the Constitution.
Update: PSD and Chega form joint list for Council of State
Chega leader André Ventura announced a formal agreement with the PSD to present a joint list of candidates for the Council of State, effectively reducing the Socialist Party's representation on the advisory body. The deal also covers appointments for the High Council of the Magistracy (Conselho Superior da Magistratura) and includes progress on a new Nationality Law (Lei da Nacionalidade) to address recent court objections. Residents should note that this cooperation signals a significant shift in parliamentary dynamics between the center-right and the far-right.
The Constitutional Court (Tribunal Constitucional) is Portugal's highest court for constitutional review, responsible for checking whether laws and statutes comply with the Constitution and for annulling or suspending unconstitutional measures. FNAM's push for a review matters because the court can strike down or block parts of the regional emergency services statute, directly affecting how emergency care is regulated.
The Council of State (Conselho de Estado) is the President's primary advisory body, composed of senior political figures including the Prime Minister and former presidents. It provides non-binding opinions on major issues such as dissolving parliament or declaring a state of emergency. Residents should note that the council acts as a stabilizing force during periods of political deadlock or institutional tension.
Ana Catarina Mendes is a Member of the European Parliament and a senior figure in the Socialist Party (Partido Socialista). She previously served as the Minister in the Presidency from 2022 to 2024, where she managed government coordination and parliamentary relations. Those following national politics should note her role in mediating high-level agreements between the country's major political parties.
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.
The Council of State (Conselho de Estado) is a constitutionally established advisory body that the President consults on major acts, such as dissolving parliament or declaring exceptional states. Five of its members are elected by the Assembly of the Republic, so a delay in those Assembly votes postpones the council’s full composition and can affect which voices formally advise the President.
Former President Aníbal Cavaco Silva has publicly supported the current government's reformist agenda while sharply criticizing the opposition. In a recent article, he described the party Chega as lacking credibility and warned that low economic growth could strengthen populist movements led by André Ventura. Cavaco Silva also criticized the Socialist Party for its role in the current political deadlock. Voters should note these comments reflect growing tensions between the country's traditional center-right and newer political forces.
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.
Aníbal Cavaco Silva is a former Prime Minister (1985–1995) and former President of Portugal (2006–2016) from the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD). He led the country during its early years in the European Union and is known for his focus on economic stability and modernization. As a senior political figure, he remains influential and recently criticized the lack of credibility in newer political movements like Chega.
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.
During a parliamentary inquiry, former National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) president Luís Meira testified that the government was aware of the deadlock regarding emergency helicopter tenders before the 2024 strike. Meira contradicted previous statements by the Health Ministry, claiming he provided multiple solutions that were ignored, leaving the institute without clear direction. Those relying on emergency services should note that the inquiry aims to address long-standing staffing and resource shortages.
Update: INEM seeks nearly €1 million in penalties from helicopter provider
INEM intends to fine Gulf Med Aviation Services 926,000 euros for delays and aircraft unavailability during its temporary contract in late 2025. While the company disputes the legitimacy of the fine, the institute maintains the penalties are necessary to address operational failures in the air emergency service (Serviço de Helicópteros de Emergência Médica). Those relying on public healthcare should note that these penalties relate to service gaps that occurred during a period of transition between providers.
Minimum services (serviços mínimos) are the legally required basic services that must be maintained during a strike to protect public safety—in healthcare this typically covers emergency care, critical ambulance coverage and intensive care. They matter because the INEM workers' committee admitted that late or unclear communication about which teams would be available during the end-of-2024 strike may have reduced operational capacity and confused patients; as an expat, expect limited non-urgent care during strikes and check official updates or call 112 for true emergencies.
Luís Meira is the former president of the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM), serving from 2015 until mid-2024. His leadership was marked by public debate over staffing levels and the efficiency of the 112 emergency dispatch system. SNS patients should be aware that his recent testimony addresses the long-standing human resource gaps affecting emergency care in Portugal.
The air emergency service is the helicopter network managed by the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) for urgent medical transport. It has recently faced fines and operational issues due to delays from private aircraft providers. Residents in rural areas should note that this service is the primary way to reach specialized trauma centers quickly.
The Bank of Portugal (Banco de Portugal) has revised its 2026 economic growth forecast downward, citing geopolitical instability and recent extreme weather events. While the labor market remains stable, employment growth is expected to slow throughout 2025 due to tighter immigration rules and lower economic growth. Consumers should also prepare for higher costs in the food basket (cabaz alimentar) starting in April as Middle East tensions impact global supply chains.
Update: Portugal records 0.7% budget surplus for 2025
The National Statistics Institute (Instituto Nacional de Estatística or INE) confirmed that Portugal ended 2025 with a budget surplus (excedente orçamental) of 0.7% of GDP, significantly higher than the government's 0.3% forecast. Finance Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmento stated the result provides important financial security, though opposition parties argue the surplus was achieved at the expense of public services. Taxpayers should be aware that this fiscal performance may influence future government spending on infrastructure and social support.
Portugal's annual inflation rate of 3.1% is slightly above the Eurozone average of 2.6% but lower than neighboring Spain at 3.8%. For comparison, inflation stands at 3.3% in the United States, 2.8% in Germany, and 2.0% in the United Kingdom. Consumers should note that while the headline rate is moderate, price volatility in food and fuel continues to impact the monthly cost of living for residents.
Joaquim Miranda Sarmento is Portugal’s Finance Minister who gave a hearing before the Budget, Finance and Public Administration Committee about fiscal measures affecting housing. His remarks matter to expats because finance ministry decisions — like exemptions and public guarantees for young homebuyers — influence the property market, taxes and programmes that can affect housing affordability.
The National Statistics Institute (Instituto Nacional de Estatística or INE) is the public body that produces official data on Portugal's economy and population. Portugal's 2023 budget surplus of 1.2% of GDP, reported by INE, contrasts with the EU average deficit of 3.5% and the UK's 6% deficit. Taxpayers should note that these figures influence government spending and tax policies.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has released the list of 13 clients from his former company, Spinumviva, following a dispute with the Transparency Entity (Entidade para a Transparência). Montenegro denied attempting to hide information, stating the list was already public due to previous leaks and that he was merely clarifying a legal point regarding privacy. The list includes companies such as Radio Popular and various municipal entities. Residents should note this move aims to resolve a bureaucratic conflict that had reached the Constitutional Court.
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.
The Transparency Entity (Entidade da Transparência or EpT) is an independent body that monitors the income and asset declarations of high-ranking public officials. It operates under the Constitutional Court to ensure accountability and prevent corruption within the government. Residents should note that the agency is currently working to finalize the public disclosure of the Prime Minister's financial records.
The Portuguese Association of Insurers (Associação Portuguesa de Seguradores or APS) has revised the estimated cost of damages from early 2024 storms upward to one billion euros. While insurers have already paid out over 260 million euros, many residents in hard-hit areas like Arruda dos Vinhos remain displaced due to slow state aid and severe infrastructure damage. Property owners should ensure all storm-related claims are documented as the total volume of reported losses continues to rise. Residents in affected regions should check with local councils regarding the status of state support applications.
The Portuguese Association of Insurers (Associação Portuguesa de Seguradores or APS) represents the companies providing insurance services in Portugal. It recently reported that the industry has paid 41% of the €260 million in claims resulting from winter storms. Policyholders should be aware that APS helps coordinate industry-wide responses to natural disasters and regulatory changes.
Business leaders in the construction and agriculture sectors have expressed satisfaction with the Protocol for Regulated Labour Migration (Protocolo para a Migração Laboral Regulada), noting improved visa processing times. However, the Confederation of Portuguese Farmers (Confederação dos Agricultores de Portugal or CAP) warned that delays in issuing tax and social security numbers remain a significant hurdle for new arrivals. Workers entering through these channels should prepare for potential bureaucratic bottlenecks regarding their initial documentation.
The Confederation of Farmers of Portugal is the main national farmers' association (Confederação dos Agricultores de Portugal, CAP) that represents agricultural producers and lobbies government on farming and rural issues. Its secretary-general noted the food-basket price has risen about 26% in recent years, and CAP warns that storm damage and higher input costs can push grocery prices and supply disruptions higher — residents should expect potential short-term price rises after severe weather.
A delegation of MEPs from the European Parliament is visiting Lisbon this week to evaluate Portugal's strategies for addressing the housing crisis. The group, which includes Portuguese MEP João Oliveira, will meet with government officials to discuss affordable housing programs and the impact of current property market trends. Those seeking housing should monitor potential policy recommendations that may arise from this European-level assessment of the local market.
João Oliveira is a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the Portuguese Communist Party (Partido Comunista Português or PCP). He served as a prominent member of the Portuguese parliament for nearly two decades before being elected to the European Parliament in 2024. Those following housing policy should note his current work with the EU committee investigating the housing crisis in Lisbon.
The government has withdrawn a proposal to increase mandatory annual leave (férias) from 22 to 25 days following negotiations with social partners. The revised labor law reform also maintains current rules that exclude automatic reinstatement for workers after unfair dismissals, a decision criticized by the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (União Geral de Trabalhadores or UGT). Employees should note that the standard holiday entitlement will remain at the current legal minimum for the foreseeable future.
The General Union of Workers (UGT – União Geral de Trabalhadores) is one of Portugal’s two main national trade union confederations. Founded in Lisbon on 28 October 1978, it was created as a social‑democratic alternative to the more communist‑aligned CGTP after the 1974 Revolution, grouping unions close to the Socialist Party and moderate centre‑right currents.
UGT represents around 400,000 workers and is affiliated to the European Trade Union Confederation and International Trade Union Confederation, giving Portuguese labour a voice at EU and global level. Its principles stress union independence from the state, employers, churches and parties, internal democracy and active worker participation.
Historically, UGT’s hallmark has been “propositive” social dialogue: it is usually more willing than CGTP to sign tripartite agreements on wages, labour law and social policy with governments and employers, shaping minimum wage increases, working‑time rules and social protection reforms. This makes UGT a key centrist actor in Portugal’s industrial relations, often mediating between left and right while defending collective bargaining and incremental improvements to labour rights.
Is a possible resolution to the deadlock at the Constitutional Court getting closer?
