Monday, 17 August 2026

Firefighters are battling multiple active wildfires in Northern Portugal, with significant operations in Torre de Moncorvo, Carrazeda de Ansiães, and Boticas. High temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity are hampering containment efforts, though officials reported no injuries or homes at immediate risk as of Sunday evening.

User committees in Almada and Seixal reported that voluntary pregnancy terminations were discontinued this week at Garcia de Orta Hospital. The local health unit, Unidade Local de Saúde Almada-Seixal, confirmed the service interruption but described it as a temporary measure due to staffing shortages, noting that a protocol has been established with another facility to ensure patient care.

Researchers from the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD) are using scientific methods to date hundreds of ancient olive trees throughout Portugal. Findings suggest that some of these trees are over 2,000 years old, with one specimen in Vidigueira potentially exceeding 3,700 years in age.

A 25-year-old man died at São José Hospital on Sunday after being stabbed in the chest at the Jardim do Cais do Sodré in Lisbon. The Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP) confirmed the attack occurred around 12:16 PM, and the suspect remains at large after fleeing toward Terreiro do Paço. The investigation has been transferred to the Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ).

Firefighters continue to battle multiple forest fires across Northern Portugal, with significant operations reported in Chaves, Boticas, and Oliveira de Azeméis. While some fires in the Vila Real district have entered a resolution phase, high temperatures and low humidity are complicating efforts for over 1,700 personnel currently deployed nationwide.

Portugal and Spain are struggling with significant residential property shortages, according to recent reports. The housing crisis in the Iberian region is driven by a combination of high construction costs, bureaucratic hurdles, and the impact of immigration on demand.

Purchasing power gains from wages in Portugal have fallen to 1.8% in the second quarter of 2026, the lowest level recorded in three years. According to the National Statistics Institute (INE), inflation is significantly eroding the real value of salaries compared to the 3.9% growth seen a year ago.

Portuguese athletes concluded the European Swimming Championships in Paris with strong performances, including new national records from Diogo Ribeiro in the 50m freestyle and Francisca Martins in the 400m freestyle. Martins finished fourth in her final, while Camila Rebelo secured a silver medal in the 200m backstroke earlier in the tournament.

Business owners and security unions have expressed alarm following a series of violent incidents in downtown Porto, including the assault of six tourists and a serious injury to a bar security guard. The Association of Bars of the Historic Center of Porto (Associação de Bares da Zona Histórica do Porto) is demanding action to address the growing perception of insecurity in the city's nightlife areas.

As of August 3, 2026, the old Portuguese Identity Card (Bilhete de Identidade) is no longer accepted for travel within the European Union and the Schengen Area due to the lack of a machine-readable zone. Travelers must now use a valid Citizen Card (Cartão de Cidadão) or a passport for international trips, though the old ID remains valid for domestic use within Portugal.