The Portuguese Air Force (Força Aérea) successfully launched its second military satellite, the CA-02, from Vandenberg Base in California. The satellite, which uses Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, is designed to enhance national vigilance and reconnaissance capabilities. This launch is part of the Atlantic Constellation project, aimed at providing high-resolution imagery for rapid response.

Fuel prices are set to increase this Monday, with diesel rising by approximately 10 cents and petrol by 6.5 cents per litre. In response, the Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS) has renewed its call for the government to lower the value-added tax (Imposto sobre o Valor Acrescentado or IVA) on fuel from 23% to 13%. Meanwhile, the price of a 13kg bottle of butane gas has reached a record 39 euros, further impacting household budgets.

The Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) have arrested three men suspected of kidnapping a person in the Greater Porto area. The suspects allegedly demanded payment from the victim's family to settle an purported debt. This case follows a separate ongoing legal matter involving two National Republican Guard (Guarda Nacional Republicana or GNR) officers from Tavira, who are facing trial for 27 crimes, including extortion and document forgery against immigrants.

The government plans to increase the capacity of immigrant detention centers by installing temporary modular structures before the summer. Secretary of State for Immigration Rui Armindo Freitas stated that the Ministry of Internal Administration is working to meet the requirements of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum.

During the 115th-anniversary celebrations of the National Republican Guard (Guarda Nacional Republicana or GNR) in Porto, Commander-General Rui Veloso warned that national security is not guaranteed and requires a strategic approach. He highlighted the need to combat criminal networks, disinformation, and new forms of violence. President of the Republic António José Seguro also attended the ceremony, condemning recent assaults on officers as a threat to democratic society.

Property owners are reminded that the Municipal Property Tax (Imposto Municipal sobre Imóveis or IMI) is due for payment throughout May. Unlike in previous years, the tax authority will not send physical payment notices by post, though the payment deadlines remain unchanged.

The Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS) is calling for a reduction in the value-added tax (Imposto sobre o Valor Acrescentado or IVA) on fuel from 23% to 13%. MP João Torres announced plans to summon oil company representatives to Parliament to discuss the measure ahead of a significant price increase expected this week. The PS also renewed its proposal for zero VAT on essential food items, a move the current government continues to reject.

President of the Republic António José Seguro marked World Press Freedom Day by emphasizing that a free press is a fundamental pillar of democracy. In a statement, he warned of worsening global threats to journalistic activity and noted that the press has an obligation to be inconvenient to those in power.

An association led by Cristina Mesquita is calling for the implementation of the National Strategy for Menopause Rights, which is included in the state budget and scheduled to begin by late June. With nearly three million women in menopause in Portugal, advocates argue that specialized consultations are essential to ensure proper medical care.

Porto City Council will host FC Porto to celebrate their Portuguese I Liga football title win on Saturday, May 16, the mayor, Pedro Duarte, announced today.

Taxpayers who missed the opportunity to claim the Youth IRS (IRS Jovem) in their 2023 or 2024 tax returns can still submit a correction. The tax authority allows for a replacement declaration until June 30th, though a standard fine of 25 euros typically applies to these late submissions.