Wednesday, 27 May 2026

Q: What is the PJ (Polícia Judiciária)?

The PJ (*Polícia Judiciária*) is Portugal's national criminal investigation police agency, founded in 1945. Operating under the Ministry of Justice and supervised by the Public Ministry (prosecutors), the PJ is a "higher criminal police body" specializing in serious and complex crimes. Mission: The PJ assists judicial and prosecuting authorities by investigating terrorism, organized crime, homicide, kidnapping, drug trafficking, corruption, cybercrime, financial crime, and money laundering. It conducts forensic examinations, operates Portugal's Interpol and Europol liaison offices, and maintains specialized units including the National Counterterrorism Unit and National Anti-Corruption Unit. Difference from PSP/GNR: While PSP (civilian urban police) and GNR (military rural police) focus on preventive policing, public order, and investigating minor crimes, the PJ exclusively handles serious crime investigation requiring specialized technical and scientific expertise. PSP and GNR report to the Ministry of Internal Affairs; PJ reports to the Ministry of Justice. PJ officers receive higher pay and prestige but face greater operational risk.

Q: What is the Tribunal de Instrução Criminal?

The Criminal Investigation Court (*Tribunal de Instrução Criminal* or *TIC*) is a specialized court that oversees the pre-trial phase of criminal proceedings. Its primary role is to ensure the legality of an investigation and to decide, through a process called instruction (*instrução*), whether there is sufficient evidence to send a case to trial.

Daily Edition: Published 5:23 AM, 27 May 2026

Pedro Passos Coelho criticizes mainstream politicians

🏛️ Government#government-policy+1 more

Former Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho recently attacked mainstream politicians, comparing those who avoid taking firm stances to characterless individuals. André Ventura, the leader of the Chega party, attended the event where the two figures discussed the current political climate and immigration policies.

Pedro Passos Coelho is a Portuguese politician who served as Prime Minister from 2011 to 2015 and led the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD). His choice to stay silent during the presidential run-off matters because, as a former PM and centre‑right leader, his endorsements or comments could influence PSD voters ahead of the 8 February vote.

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.

4 sources →26 May

Pedro Passos Coelho criticizes mainstream politicians

PJ detains 13 in Águas de Gaia corruption probe

📍 Vila Nova de Gaia ⚖️ Legal 🏛️ Government#crime-report+2 more

The Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) detained 13 people, including business owners and senior executives, following an investigation into a corruption scheme at the municipal company Águas de Gaia. The suspects are scheduled to appear before the Porto Criminal Investigation Court (Tribunal de Instrução Criminal do Porto) for initial questioning.

The PJ (Polícia Judiciária) is Portugal's national criminal investigation police agency, founded in 1945. Operating under the Ministry of Justice and supervised by the Public Ministry (prosecutors), the PJ is a "higher criminal police body" specializing in serious and complex crimes. Mission: The PJ assists judicial and prosecuting authorities by investigating terrorism, organized crime, homicide, kidnapping, drug trafficking, corruption, cybercrime, financial crime, and money laundering. It conducts forensic examinations, operates Portugal's Interpol and Europol liaison offices, and maintains specialized units including the National Counterterrorism Unit and National Anti-Corruption Unit. Difference from PSP/GNR: While PSP (civilian urban police) and GNR (military rural police) focus on preventive policing, public order, and investigating minor crimes, the PJ exclusively handles serious crime investigation requiring specialized technical and scientific expertise. PSP and GNR report to the Ministry of Internal Affairs; PJ reports to the Ministry of Justice. PJ officers receive higher pay and prestige but face greater operational risk.

The Criminal Investigation Court (Tribunal de Instrução Criminal or TIC) is a specialized court that oversees the pre-trial phase of criminal proceedings. Its primary role is to ensure the legality of an investigation and to decide, through a process called instruction (instrução), whether there is sufficient evidence to send a case to trial.

4 sources →26 May

PJ detains 13 in Águas de Gaia corruption probe

Heatwave continues as temperatures climb across Portugal

🌱 Environment 🏖️ Daily Life#severe-weather+2 more

A heatwave affecting Portugal is expected to last through early June, with temperatures reaching nearly 40°C in some regions. The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA) has placed all mainland districts under a yellow weather warning, with the exception of Faro.

A red warning is the highest alert level issued by Portugal's weather agency, the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and the Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA), used when conditions pose a very high risk to life and property. Under a red warning authorities may close roads, suspend transport and advise people to avoid coastal and flood‑prone areas, so follow civil protection instructions during the Friday–Saturday storm period.

8 sources →26 May

Heatwave continues as temperatures climb across Portugal

Digital learning assessments begin for 4th and 6th graders

🎓 Education 🏛️ Government#education-quality+2 more

Students in the 4th and 6th grades have begun their learning monitoring assessments (Provas de Monitorização da Aprendizagem or ModA) in a new digital format. School directors report that they are prepared for the transition, following successful pilot tests conducted last year.

2 sources →27 May

Digital learning assessments begin for 4th and 6th graders

Lisbon rents consume nearly entire average salary

📍 Lisbon 💶 Finance 🏖️ Daily Life#cost-of-living+3 more

Lisbon is currently the most expensive city in Europe for renters, with the cost of a one-bedroom apartment consuming approximately 99% of the average local salary. This housing crisis is compounded by a significant rise in the cost of living since 2022, with essential food and energy prices frequently outpacing general inflation.

2 sources →26 May

Government proposes new rules for undivided inheritances

⚖️ Legal 🏠 Property#legal-reforms+2 more

The government aims to unlock the sale of undivided inheritances (heranças indivisas) to help reduce the number of vacant properties across the country. A new legal regime is being proposed that would allow a single heir to force the sale of inherited real estate, a move that the High Council of the Magistracy (Conselho Superior da Magistratura) warns could increase litigation.

1 source →27 May

Daily Editions