Saturday, 20 June 2026

The government is defending its proposal for a Single Social Benefit (Prestação Social Única or PSU), which aims to consolidate social support management into one system. During a parliamentary hearing, officials stated the measure will not reduce support for the vulnerable and could save the state approximately 3.2 million euros annually. However, critics, including the Association of Retired Pensioners and Pensioners (Associação de Aposentados Pensionistas e Reformados or APRe!), warn the system could foster social exclusion.

The Judiciary Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) conducted searches on members of the Collective for the Liberation of Palestine (Colectivo pela Libertação da Palestina) on Thursday. The operation, led by the National Counter-Terrorism Unit (Unidade Nacional Contraterrorismo or UNCT), is investigating allegations of criminal association, public incitement to crime, and qualified damage. The collective confirmed the searches took place at several private homes.

European Union leaders are currently split over the bloc's future priorities and the role of the EU in potential peace negotiations with Vladimir Putin. European Council President António Costa has reportedly opened a direct communication channel with the Kremlin, a move that has drawn criticism from some member states, including Germany and France. While some leaders support a unified European voice at the negotiating table, there is no current consensus on how to proceed.

Investments by Portuguese families in savings certificates (Certificados de Aforro) reached 42.4 billion euros in May, marking the 20th consecutive month of growth. Data from the Bank of Portugal (Banco de Portugal or BdP) shows a 13.2% year-on-year increase, driven by rising Euribor rates. Additionally, the state-owned Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD) announced it will pay 1.25 billion euros in dividends to the state on June 26.

Fuel prices in Portugal are set to decrease next week, with diesel expected to fall by approximately 11 cents per litre and petrol by five cents. The government has announced a slight reduction in the discount on the petroleum products tax (Imposto sobre os Produtos Petrolíferos or ISP), which will mitigate the total price drop at the pump. Market experts note that these price trends remain dependent on the stability of international tanker traffic.

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro expressed shock after learning through media reports that his home was a target for the Movimento Armilar Lusitano (MAL), a neo-Nazi group. The Prime Minister criticised authorities for failing to inform him directly about the security threat, which also included planned attacks on the headquarters of SOS Racismo. Nine individuals, including a member of the Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP), have been charged in connection with the plot.

The government's proposal to create a Single Social Benefit (Prestação Social Única or PSU) is facing criticism from experts and the Association of Retired Pensioners and Pensioners (Associação de Aposentados Pensionistas e Reformados or APRe!). During a parliamentary hearing, critics argued the benefit could lead to social exclusion and foster suspicion toward recipients. The PSD parliamentary group defended the measure, stating the goal is to prevent prolonged dependency on state support.

European Union leaders have committed to reaching an agreement on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) by the end of 2026. The Irish presidency of the EU Council is expected to present a new negotiating framework in October to facilitate a final deal in December. This long-term budget will cover the period from 2028 to 2034 and aims to ensure uninterrupted funding for citizens, businesses, and farmers.

The government has reinforced aerial surveillance to combat an increased risk of rural fires, with a focus on 26 municipalities hit by storm Kristin last winter. A surveillance centre at the Monte Real Air Base is now active, with officials coordinating the deployment of drones and aircraft to monitor conditions as extreme heat is expected.

The Human Resources director of the Western Lisbon Local Health Unit (Unidade Local de Saúde Lisboa Ocidental or ULSLO) has been suspended following allegations of workplace harassment. The director is accused of restraining an employee to a chair with adhesive tape, and the institution has confirmed that disciplinary proceedings are underway.

Almost 11 months after the first version of the labour reform was presented, members of parliament will vote this Friday, in general terms, on the more than 100 changes to the Labour Code proposed by the Government. The PSD parliamentary leader already considers approval certain, and the president of Chega...

Companies listed on the stock exchange face fines of up to 2.5 million euros from the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (Comissão do Mercado de Valores Mobiliários or CMVM) for failing to meet gender equality requirements. Since 2020, boards have been mandated to ensure that at least 33.3% of their members represent the underrepresented gender.

Parliament has approved a new organic law on nationality that increases the minimum residency requirement for citizenship to ten years. The legislation, supported by the PSD, the CDS – People's Party (CDS – Partido Popular or CDS-PP), the Liberal Initiative (Iniciativa Liberal or IL), and Chega, now awaits final review.