Monday, 15 June 2026

The Sintra Court is scheduled to deliver its verdict today regarding the Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP) officer accused of killing Odair Moniz in October 2024. The Public Prosecutor's Office has requested a conviction for homicide, arguing that the officer did not act in self-defense. This case has been a focal point of public debate regarding police conduct and safety in the Cova da Moura neighborhood.

Update: Officer receives suspended sentence for Odair Moniz death

The Sintra Court sentenced police officer Bruno Pinto to three years and six months in prison with a suspended sentence. The judges concluded that while the officer acted with excessive force, there was no evidence that the victim, Odair Moniz, was carrying a knife at the time of the shooting. The court ordered the officer to pay 90,000 euros in compensation to the family, and the defense has indicated it may appeal the ruling.

Healthcare leaders and unions warn that emergency departments across Portugal may face closures this summer due to persistent staffing shortages. Approximately 2,500 freelance doctors working for the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) are currently awaiting a new decree regulating their activity, with many considering moving to the private sector or leaving the country. While the government has authorized temporary pay increases to ensure coverage, representatives describe these measures as insufficient to resolve the structural crisis.

Paulo Raimundo, the secretary-general of the Portuguese Communist Party (Partido Comunista Português or PCP), has called on Prime Minister Luís Montenegro to withdraw the government's proposed labour package. Raimundo argued that abandoning the proposal before the upcoming parliamentary debate would serve the country's interests. The government's plan faces significant opposition from trade unions concerned about job security and income levels.

Portuguese canoeist Fernando Pimenta concluded the European Canoe Sprint Championships in Montemor-o-Velho by winning gold in the K1 5,000-meter event. The competition also saw Norberto Mourão secure a European title in the VL2 200-meter adaptive class, setting a new continental record. Overall, the Portuguese team finished the event with four podium finishes, including two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze.

The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA) has placed 12 districts under yellow warning due to expected showers and thunderstorms. Additionally, 26 municipalities across nine districts are at maximum risk of rural fire as temperatures climb toward 40 degrees Celsius in some regions. The weather conditions, characterized by low humidity and strong winds, have prompted the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil or ANEPC) to reinforce preventive measures.

During a special road safety operation surrounding the Santos Populares festivities in Lisbon, the National Republican Guard (Guarda Nacional Republicana or GNR) arrested 66 drivers for operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol. Officers inspected approximately 3,000 vehicles, detecting a total of 264 drivers with excess blood alcohol levels. The operation, which involved 164 officers, took place over four hours in the early hours of Sunday.

Investor interest in the Portuguese golden visa program has declined following a government decision to double the citizenship waiting period to 10 years. Immigration lawyers and fund managers report that the change, introduced in May, has led to investor withdrawals and a slowdown in new applications. The adjustment is part of broader government efforts to manage immigration levels.

Vítor Ferreira, the mayor of Amadora, has been named a formal suspect in the ongoing Operation Imergente investigation. The probe focuses on alleged misconduct and potential violations of public procurement rules regarding the hiring of a consultant to draft a speech for the 25th of April celebrations. Ferreira is the eighth member of the Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS) to be named an official suspect in this case.

Political parties and other electoral candidacies currently owe approximately 1.4 million euros in fines to the state. The Attorney General's Office (Procuradoria-Geral da República or PGR) confirmed the total debt, though specific details regarding which parties hold the largest outstanding balances remain undisclosed. The Entity for Political Accounts and Financing (Entidade das Contas e Financiamentos Políticos) is currently working to identify the specific sources of these debts.

Paulo Raimundo, the secretary-general of the Portuguese Communist Party (Partido Comunista Português or PCP), has challenged Prime Minister Luís Montenegro to withdraw the government's proposed labour package. Raimundo suggested that withdrawing the proposal before the upcoming parliamentary debate would be a service to the country. Meanwhile, a coalition of trade unionists from various organizations has called for a protest on June 18 to oppose the reforms, citing concerns over job insecurity and reduced income.

Portuguese municipalities have cancelled more than 10,000 local accommodation (Alojamento Local) registrations as part of a national review of short-term rental properties. The process aims to remove inactive units from the register, with Lisbon accounting for 6,765 of the cancellations. Properties were removed for failing to meet regulatory requirements, including the submission of mandatory liability insurance documentation.