Lisboeta · Monday, 22 June 2026

Q: What is the AD (Democratic Alliance)?

- Leader: Luís Montenegro (Prime Minister) - Ideology: Liberal conservatism, pro-Europeanism - Coalition: Social Democratic Party (PSD) + CDS–People's Party (CDS-PP) The Democratic Alliance (*Aliança Democrática*, AD) is a center-right coalition primarily composed of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) with 89 seats and the CDS–People's Party (CDS-PP) with 2 seats. Together, they form the current minority government under Prime Minister Luís Montenegro. The PSD, despite its name, occupies the center-right of Portugal's political spectrum and has been one of Portugal's two dominant parties since 1974, having formed nine governments including four with absolute majorities. The CDS-PP is a smaller Christian democratic party that has historically been the PSD's coalition partner. The AD coalition governs without a parliamentary majority, requiring case-by-case support from opposition parties to pass legislation. The coalition has imposed a *cordon sanitaire* against Chega, refusing formal cooperation with the far-right despite its parliamentary strength, which means it must negotiate with the PS or smaller parties to advance its legislative agenda.

Q: What is the AD (Democratic Alliance)?

- Leader: Luís Montenegro (Prime Minister) - Ideology: Liberal conservatism, pro-Europeanism - Coalition: Social Democratic Party (PSD) + CDS–People's Party (CDS-PP) The Democratic Alliance (*Aliança Democrática*, AD) is a center-right coalition primarily composed of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) with 89 seats and the CDS–People's Party (CDS-PP) with 2 seats. Together, they form the current minority government under Prime Minister Luís Montenegro. The PSD, despite its name, occupies the center-right of Portugal's political spectrum and has been one of Portugal's two dominant parties since 1974, having formed nine governments including four with absolute majorities. The CDS-PP is a smaller Christian democratic party that has historically been the PSD's coalition partner. The AD coalition governs without a parliamentary majority, requiring case-by-case support from opposition parties to pass legislation. The coalition has imposed a *cordon sanitaire* against Chega, refusing formal cooperation with the far-right despite its parliamentary strength, which means it must negotiate with the PS or smaller parties to advance its legislative agenda.

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.

Tomás Araújo sidelined before World Cup match

⚽ Sports#national-team+1 more

Central defender Tomás Araújo remains absent from Portugal's training sessions due to physical issues ahead of the 2026 World Cup match against Uzbekistan. While the rest of the national team is training under Roberto Martínez, Araújo is expected to miss the second round of Group K. The squad remains focused on improving their performance against the defensive tactics expected from the Italian-managed Uzbekistan side.

Roberto Martínez is the current head coach of the Portugal national football team, a position he has held since January 2023. A Spanish professional football manager, he previously led the national teams of Belgium and several English club sides including Everton and Wigan Athletic.

5 sources →21 Jun

Tomás Araújo sidelined before World Cup match

Government plans sovereign wealth fund for strategic investments

🏛️ Government 💶 Finance#government-policy+3 more

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro announced plans to create a sovereign wealth fund to allow the state to hold stakes in strategic sectors like energy, banking, and telecommunications. While the government aims to boost national resilience, the Iniciativa Liberal (Iniciativa Liberal or IL) party has criticized the proposal, warning against increased state involvement in private business.

Prime Minister, Portugal: 2024 - Present
Party: Social Democratic Party (PSD)

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.

Iniciativa Liberal and João Cotrim de Figueiredo tend to draw support from urban, economically liberal voters — often professionals, entrepreneurs and higher‑income residents in cities like Lisbon and Porto — who prioritise lower taxes, deregulation and individual freedoms. The party also attracts some younger voters and expatriates who favour pro‑market policies and a smaller state role.

3 sources →21 Jun

Government plans sovereign wealth fund for strategic investments

Santander targets one billion euros in AI value

💡 Technology 💼 Work#banking+3 more

Banco Santander aims to generate over one billion euros in business value through artificial intelligence by 2028. The bank plans to integrate AI across its global operations, including its 185,000 employees, to both create new revenue streams and reduce operational costs.

2 sources →22 Jun

Santander targets one billion euros in AI value

Labour reform suffers major parliamentary defeat

🏛️ Government 💼 Work#labour-law+3 more

The government's proposed labour reform, a key initiative for the administration, was rejected in parliament following opposition from Chega. This setback highlights the fragility of the political majority held by the Democratic Alliance (Aliança Democrática or AD) and complicates the government's legislative agenda ahead of the 2027 State Budget negotiations.

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.

Leader: Luís Montenegro (Prime Minister)
Ideology: Liberal conservatism, pro-Europeanism
Coalition: Social Democratic Party (PSD) + CDS–People's Party (CDS-PP)

The Democratic Alliance (Aliança Democrática, AD) is a center-right coalition primarily composed of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) with 89 seats and the CDS–People's Party (CDS-PP) with 2 seats. Together, they form the current minority government under Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.

The PSD, despite its name, occupies the center-right of Portugal's political spectrum and has been one of Portugal's two dominant parties since 1974, having formed nine governments including four with absolute majorities. The CDS-PP is a smaller Christian democratic party that has historically been the PSD's coalition partner.

The AD coalition governs without a parliamentary majority, requiring case-by-case support from opposition parties to pass legislation. The coalition has imposed a cordon sanitaire against Chega, refusing formal cooperation with the far-right despite its parliamentary strength, which means it must negotiate with the PS or smaller parties to advance its legislative agenda.

2 sources →21 Jun

Labour reform suffers major parliamentary defeat

Immigrants contribute positively to economy, study finds

🛂 Immigration 🏛️ Government#expat-rights+3 more

A recent study by the Institute of Social Sciences of the University of Lisbon (Instituto de Ciências Sociais da Universidade de Lisboa or ICS ULisboa) indicates that 65 percent of Portuguese citizens view immigration as a positive economic asset. Meanwhile, immigrant groups are working with the Pão a Pão Association to advocate for improvements to the Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA).

The Institute of Social Sciences of the University of Lisbon (Instituto de Ciências Sociais da Universidade de Lisboa or ICS-ULisboa) is a specialized research institution focused on social sciences. It frequently collaborates with foundations and non-profit organizations to study social dynamics, migration, and public policy in Portugal.

2 sources →21 Jun

Montenegro proposes sovereign wealth fund and judicial reforms

📍 Anadia 🏛️ Government 💶 Finance#government-policy+2 more

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro announced a series of nine reform proposals at the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD) congress in Anadia. Key measures include the creation of a sovereign wealth fund to invest in strategic sectors and reforms to administrative and tax justice. While the government aims to stabilize its agenda, the opposition party Chega has expressed willingness for dialogue while criticizing the administration's approach.

Prime Minister, Portugal: 2024 - Present
Party: Social Democratic Party (PSD)

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.

Leader: Luís Montenegro (Prime Minister)
Ideology: Liberal conservatism, pro-Europeanism
Coalition: Social Democratic Party (PSD) + CDS–People's Party (CDS-PP)

The Democratic Alliance (Aliança Democrática, AD) is a center-right coalition primarily composed of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) with 89 seats and the CDS–People's Party (CDS-PP) with 2 seats. Together, they form the current minority government under Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.

The PSD, despite its name, occupies the center-right of Portugal's political spectrum and has been one of Portugal's two dominant parties since 1974, having formed nine governments including four with absolute majorities. The CDS-PP is a smaller Christian democratic party that has historically been the PSD's coalition partner.

The AD coalition governs without a parliamentary majority, requiring case-by-case support from opposition parties to pass legislation. The coalition has imposed a cordon sanitaire against Chega, refusing formal cooperation with the far-right despite its parliamentary strength, which means it must negotiate with the PS or smaller parties to advance its legislative agenda.

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.

8 sources →21 Jun

Montenegro proposes sovereign wealth fund and judicial reforms

Easyjet warns of difficult summer at Lisbon airport

📍 Lisbon 🧭 Travel 🚇 Infrastructure#airport-delays+2 more

Easyjet's country manager, José Lopes, has expressed concern regarding potential travel disruptions at Humberto Delgado Airport this summer. The airline anticipates difficulties linked to the passenger control system and has called for common sense in the day-to-day management by the Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP).

The PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública) is Portugal's national civilian police force, founded in 1867. Responsible for defending Republican democracy and safeguarding internal security and citizens' rights, the PSP polices major cities—Lisbon, Porto, Faro—and large urban areas, covering only 4% of Portugal's territory but roughly half the population. Led by a National Director under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, its approximately 21,500 officers handle preventive policing, crime investigation, public order, airport security, diplomatic protection, private security regulation, firearms licensing, and border control (since 2023).

PSP vs. GNR: The PSP is civilian with police-focused training and urban jurisdiction, while the GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana) is military (gendarmerie) with military training, covering 96% of Portugal's rural and suburban territory. Both share core public safety missions but differ fundamentally in nature, training, and geographic responsibility.

1 source →22 Jun

Easyjet warns of difficult summer at Lisbon airport

Tragedy in Santarém as father and daughter die

📍 Santarém ⚖️ Legal 🏖️ Daily Life#crime-report+1 more

A 33-year-old man and his four-year-old daughter died early Sunday after falling from the eighth floor of a building in Santarém. Authorities, including the Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP) and the Judiciary Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ), confirmed the man had a history of domestic violence. The incident reportedly followed a domestic dispute.

The PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública) is Portugal's national civilian police force, founded in 1867. Responsible for defending Republican democracy and safeguarding internal security and citizens' rights, the PSP polices major cities—Lisbon, Porto, Faro—and large urban areas, covering only 4% of Portugal's territory but roughly half the population. Led by a National Director under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, its approximately 21,500 officers handle preventive policing, crime investigation, public order, airport security, diplomatic protection, private security regulation, firearms licensing, and border control (since 2023).

PSP vs. GNR: The PSP is civilian with police-focused training and urban jurisdiction, while the GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana) is military (gendarmerie) with military training, covering 96% of Portugal's rural and suburban territory. Both share core public safety missions but differ fundamentally in nature, training, and geographic responsibility.

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.

5 sources →21 Jun

Tragedy in Santarém as father and daughter die

Heatwave brings temperatures up to 42ºC across Portugal

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

The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and the Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA) has issued weather warnings as a hot air mass from North Africa pushes temperatures as high as 42ºC. While coastal areas remain cooler, interior regions face extreme heat and the prospect of tropical nights with temperatures staying above 20ºC. Three districts are currently under an orange alert, with eleven others under a yellow warning.

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.

3 sources →21 Jun

Heatwave brings temperatures up to 42ºC across Portugal

Santana Lopes returns to PSD leadership role

🏛️ Government#government-policy+1 more

Former Prime Minister Pedro Santana Lopes has officially returned to the PSD, making a surprise appearance at the party's congress in Anadia. Luís Montenegro announced new vice-presidents for the party, including Sebastião Bugalho, Carlos Moedas, and Pedro Duarte. Santana Lopes praised Montenegro's leadership, calling for political stability as the party moves forward.

Carlos Manuel Félix Moedas (born August 10, 1970, in Beja) is a civil engineer, economist, and center-right politician who has served as Mayor of Lisbon since October 2021. He earned degrees in civil engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico and an MBA from Harvard, working at Goldman Sachs and founding his own investment firm before entering politics. During Portugal's 2011-14 bailout, he served as Secretary of State coordinating Troika-mandated structural reforms. From 2014-19, he was European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, managing €77 billion in research funding and designing the €100 billion Horizon Europe program. Moedas narrowly won Lisbon's mayoralty in 2021 with 34.3%, defeating Socialist incumbent Fernando Medina. Governing initially with a minority coalition, he implemented free public transport for youth and elderly residents, launched the "Unicorn Factory Lisboa" innovation hub attracting 82 tech companies and 16,000 jobs, and won Lisbon the 2023 European Capital of Innovation award. He was re-elected in October 2025 with 41.7%, securing eight of nine council seats. His significance lies in shifting Lisbon's political trajectory rightward after decades of Socialist governance, positioning the capital as a European tech hub while prioritizing housing development, carbon neutrality by 2030, and innovation-driven economic growth.

Pedro Santana Lopes is a veteran Portuguese politician who served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2005. A long-time member of the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD), he has held various roles including Mayor of Lisbon and leader of the Aliança party before his recent return to the PSD.

6 sources →20 Jun

Santana Lopes returns to PSD leadership role

Health Minister defends recruitment despite clinician criticism

🩺 Health 🏛️ Government#healthcare+2 more

Minister of Health Ana Paula Martins claimed at the PSD congress that the recruitment of doctors into the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) has been a success. Clinicians have challenged this assessment, while the minister attributed current visibility issues in the system to immigration and organized networks. The government continues to face pressure regarding the availability of family doctors.

Ana Paula Martins is a Portuguese pharmacist and politician who has served as the Minister of Health in Portugal since April 2024. A member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), she was reappointed to the position in the second government of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in June 2025.

Professional Background

Pharmaceutical Leadership: She served as the President of the Order of Pharmacists (Bastonária da Ordem dos Farmacêuticos) from 2016 to 2022.

Hospital Management: She was the President of the Board of Directors of Hospital de Santa Maria (CHULN) in Lisbon from December 2022 to January 2024.

Academic Work: She holds a PhD in Clinical Pharmacy and has been an assistant professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon for over 20 years.

Political Career

Government Role: As Minister of Health, she has overseen the implementation of the "SNS Emergency Plan" and recently addressed issues such as INEM staffing and public-private partnerships in healthcare.

Party Leadership: She served as Vice President of the PSD under Rui Rio (2021–2022).

Parliament: She was elected as a member of the Assembly of the Republic representing the Lisbon constituency in 2024.

ULS Alto Ave is the Alto Ave Local Health Unit (Unidade Local de Saúde do Alto Ave), a public body that runs hospitals and some primary-care services for the Ave area in northern Portugal. It is part of the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS), and recent staff strikes have affected overtime and complementary work, so residents should check local hospital notices before visiting.

1 source →21 Jun

Portugal faces low productivity despite high work hours

💶 Finance 💼 Work#economic-indicator+3 more

Recent data shows Portugal has the fourth-lowest productivity in the European Union, with the indicator declining in 2025. While Portuguese workers average 37.4 hours per week compared to the EU average of 35.9, the value created per hour remains significantly lower. Experts note that improving this requires greater investment in technology, capital, and business scale.

2 sources →20 Jun

Portugal faces low productivity despite high work hours

Lisbon Airport struggles with non-Schengen flight surge

📍 Lisbon 🚇 Infrastructure 🧭 Travel#airport+2 more

Lisbon Airport is facing increased operational challenges due to a record rise in non-Schengen passenger traffic. The facility, already operating near capacity, is managing new requirements from the European border control system. These pressures have led to calls for improved infrastructure to handle the growing volume of international travelers.

1 source →21 Jun

Lisbon Airport struggles with non-Schengen flight surge

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Extreme heat grips Portugal as government unveils ambitious sovereign wealth fund strategy

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