Tuesday, 4 August 2026

The National Maritime Authority (Autoridade Marítima Nacional or AMN) reported 17 deaths on Portuguese beaches during the first three months of the current bathing season (época balnear), which began on May 1. Twelve of these fatalities were due to drowning, while five resulted from sudden illness. The report also highlights that 868 rescues and 1,606 first-aid interventions were performed across the country's coastline.

The Liberal Initiative (Iniciativa Liberal or IL) has formally requested that the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, intervene to address what they describe as the degradation of national institutions. Party leader Mariana Leitão argued that the President should use his influence to stop the ongoing controversy surrounding the Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves. The IL maintains that Neves lacks the necessary conditions to remain in his government position.

The Association for Economic and Social Development (Associação para o Desenvolvimento Económico or SEDES) has warned that the agreement between Galp and Moeve regarding the Sines refinery carries serious implications for Portugal. The association urged the government to use its sovereign powers to safeguard the refinery's viability, citing its role as a strategic national asset.

The Mobility and Transport Authority (Autoridade da Mobilidade e dos Transportes or AMT) has delayed the implementation of new taxi fare rules until 30 days after the new legal framework for electronic transport platforms, known as TVDE, is published. The regulator intends to use this time to review feedback from taxi associations and ensure there are no regulatory conflicts. The proposed model aims to adjust pricing structures based on time and distance.

The Ministry of Health has issued a revised order regulating urgent care activity, including procedures for cardiology and radiology, after admitting the previous version was an error. The new directive clarifies payment procedures for medical staff performing additional urgent production, addressing concerns previously raised by the Medical Association (Ordem dos Médicos).

For the first time on record, solar energy was the primary source of electricity production in Portugal during July. Data from the National Energy Networks (Redes Energéticas Nacionais or REN) shows solar accounted for 19% of consumption, contributing to a month where renewables reached 53% of the national total.

Minister of Education Fernando Alexandre confirmed that the academic calendar for the 3rd cycle of basic education will remain unchanged, with classes starting between September 11 and 15. While the government maintains this schedule to avoid disrupting families, it announced that the start of secondary education will be delayed by one week to September 21.

The National Communications Authority (Autoridade Nacional de Comunicações or Anacom) has proposed a new regulation allowing customers to claim up to €5,750 in compensation for service interruptions during the process of switching internet providers. Under the draft, which is open for public consultation until September 11, the new provider would be responsible for coordinating the transfer to minimize service gaps.

The Minister of Agriculture has announced the opening of applications for financial support to restore productive potential for farmers in Valpaços. The recent wildfire, which burned 13,800 hectares, caused significant damage to vineyards, olive groves, and almond orchards in the region.

Starting this Saturday, municipal civil protection plans will officially integrate animal search, rescue, and relief operations. This change to the Civil Protection Basic Law (Lei de Bases da Proteção Civil) ensures that emergency planning now covers the evacuation, housing, and supply of animals during catastrophes or accidents.

The Portuguese League Against Cancer (Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro or LPCC) is offering free skin cancer screenings on beaches across the Algarve, Alentejo, and the Greater Lisbon area until August 29. Dermatologists are conducting observations between 9:00 and 18:00 to analyze skin changes and provide sun safety advice.

The Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA) has launched an online portal for foreign residents whose residence permits are set to expire in November or December of this year. The agency stated the move is part of an effort to improve public service efficiency.

Train traffic on the Northern railway line (Linha do Norte) was restored in both directions early Monday morning following a wildfire in Vila Franca de Xira. The fire, which broke out Sunday evening, forced the suspension of rail services and restricted traffic on the Marechal Carmona Bridge.

The latest data from the Imovirtual Barometer for May 2026 shows the average asking price for homes in Portugal has reached €430,500. This figure, which includes both new and existing properties, highlights the growing difficulty for many residents to enter the housing market.