Lisboeta · Saturday, 29 August 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: Who is António Filipe?

António Filipe is a politician from the PCP (*Partido Comunista Português*) who, in this story, acknowledged that his election results fell short and said the party would join forces to oppose what it called a 'serious threat to democracy'. His remarks indicate the PCP intends to be active in post-election alliances rather than withdrawing from national debates. Voters and those following left-wing politics should pay attention to his and the PCP's next moves.

Q: What is the IGEC?

The IGEC (*Inspeção-Geral da Educação e Ciência*) is the government body responsible for auditing and overseeing the quality and legality of the Portuguese education and scientific research systems. It acts as an independent watchdog that investigates administrative failures and ensures that educational institutions comply with national regulations.

Q: What is Portugal's Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR)?

The PRR (*Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência*) is Portugal's national program under the EU's NextGenerationEU recovery fund, worth approximately €22.2 billion — roughly €16.6 billion in grants plus €5.6 billion in loans. Approved in 2021, it funds reforms and investments across housing, digital transition, climate action, healthcare, and public administration. Payments from the European Commission are tied to specific milestones and targets. Missed deadlines or incomplete reforms can delay disbursements, affecting public works, infrastructure projects, and social programs that depend on PRR funding. The PRR is one of the largest investment programs in Portugal's recent history and touches areas from affordable housing construction to hospital modernization, school renovation, and green energy transition. Progress is monitored by the European Commission through regular reviews.

Q: What is the State Budget (OE) and why does OE 2026 matter for teleworking?

The State Budget (*Orçamento do Estado* or OE) is Portugal's annual law that sets public spending, taxes and economic policy; the government prepares a draft and the Assembly of the Republic votes on it so the rules usually take effect from January 1. OE 2026 modestly strengthens tax measures linked to teleworking, which can change how home-office costs, employer contributions or deductions are treated and therefore matters for expats who work remotely from Portugal because it can affect net pay and tax reporting.

Q: Who is António José Seguro?

- President of Portugal (since March 9, 2026) - Party: Independent. Former leader of the Socialist Party (PS), *Partido Socialista* - Center-left António José Martins Seguro (born March 11, 1962, in Penamacor) is a lawyer, political scientist, and the current President of the Portuguese Republic, inaugurated on March 9, 2026 after winning the two-round presidential election in January–February 2026. **Career:** He led Socialist Youth (1990–1994), served as MEP (1999–2001), was Minister Adjunct to PM António Guterres (2001–2002), and led the PS parliamentary group (2004–2005). Elected PS Secretary-General in 2011 with 68%, he led the opposition during Portugal's bailout era. In 2014, António Costa defeated him in party primaries by a landslide, prompting Seguro's resignation and a decade-long retreat from politics. He returned in 2025, launching the movement *UPortugal* and announcing his presidential candidacy in June. He received official PS backing in October 2025 and won the presidency in February 2026. **Political philosophy:** Seguro positions himself as representing a "modern and moderate" left, advocating financial responsibility while opposing austerity. As President, he has emphasized institutional trust, efficient governance, and a collaborative relationship with the government while maintaining rigorous constitutional oversight.

Constitutional Court approves controversial return law

🛂 Immigration 🏛️ Government#legal-reforms+3 more

The Constitutional Court has unanimously ruled that the Return Law, which streamlines deportation processes for foreign nationals, is constitutional. While the Social Democratic Party (PSD) welcomed the decision as a job well done, other political groups including the Communist Party (PCP) and Livre have expressed concerns regarding potential humanitarian injustices, with some calling for a presidential veto.

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.

António Filipe is a politician from the PCP (Partido Comunista Português) who, in this story, acknowledged that his election results fell short and said the party would join forces to oppose what it called a 'serious threat to democracy'. His remarks indicate the PCP intends to be active in post-election alliances rather than withdrawing from national debates. Voters and those following left-wing politics should pay attention to his and the PCP's next moves.

8 sources →28 Aug

Constitutional Court approves controversial return law

Education inspectorate identifies exam processing delays

🎓 Education 🏖️ Daily Life#education-quality+1 more

An audit by the General Inspectorate of Education and Science (IGEC) has uncovered delays in exam re-evaluation requests across 69 schools. While the report found no evidence of deliberate misconduct, the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation has recommended further inquiries into the operational lapses identified.

Update: Audit confirms exam processing delays

The audit further revealed that 29 schools experienced delays in delivering first-phase exams. While the IGEC report concluded that no deliberate actions compromised exam integrity, it recommended additional inquiries into the procedural failures.

The IGEC (Inspeção-Geral da Educação e Ciência) is the government body responsible for auditing and overseeing the quality and legality of the Portuguese education and scientific research systems. It acts as an independent watchdog that investigates administrative failures and ensures that educational institutions comply with national regulations.

7 sources →28 Aug

S&P maintains Portugal's A+ rating

💶 Finance 🏛️ Government#investment+1 more

Standard & Poor's has affirmed Portugal's A+ credit rating with a positive outlook, citing the resilience of the national economy. Despite a downward revision in growth estimates, the agency expects the country to sustain wealth levels and manage budgetary pressures effectively.

4 sources →28 Aug

Lisbon's Glória Funicular set for 2029 return

📍 Lisbon 🚇 Infrastructure 🧭 Travel#public-transport+1 more

The public transport operator Carris plans to announce the future strategy for the Glória Funicular this coming Monday, with a new service expected to launch in 2029. Meanwhile, the legal process regarding past accidents continues, with reports suggesting that compensation for foreign victims may differ from that of Portuguese citizens.

Carris is the public transport company responsible for operating buses and trams in Lisbon. It is a state-owned entity that serves as the primary provider of surface public transit within the city limits.

3 sources →28 Aug

Lisbon's Glória Funicular set for 2029 return

State budget to cover excess PRR project costs

📍 Lisbon 🏛️ Government 🚇 Infrastructure#state-budget+3 more

Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion Manuel Castro Almeida announced that two billion euros in projects originally excluded from the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) will now be funded by the State Budget. The minister assured the public that this shift will not result in any tax increases.

Update: PRR execution reaches 100%

Minister Manuel Castro Almeida confirmed that Portugal has reached 100% execution of the PRR. He warned that the country must now prepare to rely less on European funds and increase public investment through the national State Budget (Orçamento do Estado).

Manuel Castro Almeida is Portugal's Minister of Economy and Social Cohesion, a role cited in the article. On 17 February in Sobral de Monte Agraço he said over 4,000 companies had requested storm support totaling nearly €1 billion, figures tied to recent severe weather damage.

The PRR (Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência) is Portugal's national program under the EU's NextGenerationEU recovery fund, worth approximately €22.2 billion — roughly €16.6 billion in grants plus €5.6 billion in loans. Approved in 2021, it funds reforms and investments across housing, digital transition, climate action, healthcare, and public administration.

Payments from the European Commission are tied to specific milestones and targets. Missed deadlines or incomplete reforms can delay disbursements, affecting public works, infrastructure projects, and social programs that depend on PRR funding.

The PRR is one of the largest investment programs in Portugal's recent history and touches areas from affordable housing construction to hospital modernization, school renovation, and green energy transition. Progress is monitored by the European Commission through regular reviews.

The State Budget (Orçamento do Estado or OE) is Portugal's annual law that sets public spending, taxes and economic policy; the government prepares a draft and the Assembly of the Republic votes on it so the rules usually take effect from January 1. OE 2026 modestly strengthens tax measures linked to teleworking, which can change how home-office costs, employer contributions or deductions are treated and therefore matters for expats who work remotely from Portugal because it can affect net pay and tax reporting.

4 sources →29 Aug

State budget to cover excess PRR project costs

Chega threatens no-confidence motion over minister

📍 Castelo de Vide 🏛️ Government#chega+1 more

André Ventura, leader of the Chega party, has threatened to table a motion of no confidence against the government next Tuesday if Prime Minister Luís Montenegro does not dismiss the Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves. While the PSD spokesperson dismissed the threat as a political tactic, the party insists the minister's position is untenable due to ongoing scrutiny.

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.

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.

6 sources →28 Aug

Lisbon mayor demands more police amid security concerns

📍 Amadora ⚖️ Legal 🏛️ Government#public-safety+2 more

Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas expressed alarm over the city's security situation, citing recent shootings and robberies. He is pressuring the government to fulfill a promise made three months ago to deploy 200 additional police officers to the capital.

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.

5 sources →28 Aug

Lisbon mayor demands more police amid security concerns

TAP Air Portugal appoints new operations chief

🚇 Infrastructure 💼 Work#aviation+1 more

TAP Air Portugal has appointed José Eduardo Moreira as its new Chief Operating Officer. He succeeds Mário Chaves, who resigned from the position earlier this month, and brings decades of experience from his previous roles within the airline's maintenance and engineering departments.

4 sources →28 Aug

TAP Air Portugal appoints new operations chief

Smartphone ban extended to 9th grade in schools

🎓 Education 🏛️ Government#education-quality+3 more

President António José Seguro has signed a new law prohibiting the use of smartphones in schools for students up to the 9th grade. The government implemented this measure following reports from school directors that restricting mobile phone access improves socialization and reduces classroom indiscipline.

President of Portugal (since March 9, 2026)
Party: Independent. Former leader of the Socialist Party (PS), Partido Socialista
Center-left

António José Martins Seguro (born March 11, 1962, in Penamacor) is a lawyer, political scientist, and the current President of the Portuguese Republic, inaugurated on March 9, 2026 after winning the two-round presidential election in January–February 2026.

Career: He led Socialist Youth (1990–1994), served as MEP (1999–2001), was Minister Adjunct to PM António Guterres (2001–2002), and led the PS parliamentary group (2004–2005). Elected PS Secretary-General in 2011 with 68%, he led the opposition during Portugal's bailout era. In 2014, António Costa defeated him in party primaries by a landslide, prompting Seguro's resignation and a decade-long retreat from politics. He returned in 2025, launching the movement UPortugal and announcing his presidential candidacy in June. He received official PS backing in October 2025 and won the presidency in February 2026.

Political philosophy: Seguro positions himself as representing a "modern and moderate" left, advocating financial responsibility while opposing austerity. As President, he has emphasized institutional trust, efficient governance, and a collaborative relationship with the government while maintaining rigorous constitutional oversight.

4 sources →28 Aug

Smartphone ban extended to 9th grade in schools

Footwear exports drop as global trade slows

💶 Finance 💼 Work#economic-indicator+1 more

Portuguese footwear exports fell by 2.1% to 813 million euros during the first half of 2026. Despite the decline, the industry association APICCAPS noted that Portugal performed better than major competitors like Spain and Italy during the same period.

3 sources →28 Aug

Footwear exports drop as global trade slows

Three injured in Lisbon tram and bus collision

📍 Lisbon ⚖️ Legal 🚇 Infrastructure#public-safety+2 more

A collision between a tram and a bus in the Estrela district of Lisbon left three people with minor injuries on Friday afternoon. Emergency services confirmed that two children and one woman were treated following the accident, which also caused the tram to derail.

3 sources →28 Aug

Three injured in Lisbon tram and bus collision

Azores surgical waiting list hits record high

📍 Azores 🩺 Health 🏛️ Government#healthcare+3 more

The Azores region reported a record 13,945 patients on the surgical waiting list at the end of July. This figure represents an 8.3% increase compared to the same period last year, according to data from the regional health authority.

2 sources →28 Aug

Azores surgical waiting list hits record high

Constitutional Court upholds Return Law

🛂 Immigration ⚖️ Legal#residency+3 more

The Constitutional Court has ruled that the Return Law is constitutional, clearing the way for its implementation. President António José Seguro had previously referred the legislation to the court in July due to concerns regarding its compatibility with the Constitution.

President of Portugal (since March 9, 2026)
Party: Independent. Former leader of the Socialist Party (PS), Partido Socialista
Center-left

António José Martins Seguro (born March 11, 1962, in Penamacor) is a lawyer, political scientist, and the current President of the Portuguese Republic, inaugurated on March 9, 2026 after winning the two-round presidential election in January–February 2026.

Career: He led Socialist Youth (1990–1994), served as MEP (1999–2001), was Minister Adjunct to PM António Guterres (2001–2002), and led the PS parliamentary group (2004–2005). Elected PS Secretary-General in 2011 with 68%, he led the opposition during Portugal's bailout era. In 2014, António Costa defeated him in party primaries by a landslide, prompting Seguro's resignation and a decade-long retreat from politics. He returned in 2025, launching the movement UPortugal and announcing his presidential candidacy in June. He received official PS backing in October 2025 and won the presidency in February 2026.

Political philosophy: Seguro positions himself as representing a "modern and moderate" left, advocating financial responsibility while opposing austerity. As President, he has emphasized institutional trust, efficient governance, and a collaborative relationship with the government while maintaining rigorous constitutional oversight.

2 sources →28 Aug

Government faces criticism over Social Security reform proposals

🏛️ Government 💶 Finance#government-policy+2 more

A government-appointed working group has concluded that the Social Security (Segurança Social) system faces a deficit, sparking debate over potential future reforms. Critics, including former officials and the Communist Party (Partido Comunista Português or PCP), argue that the proposed model could lead to lower pensions and accuse the government of manufacturing panic to justify future privatization.

5 sources →27 Aug

Government faces criticism over Social Security reform proposals

Fake accident scams surge toward 2025 total

⚖️ Legal 🏖️ Daily Life#crime-report+2 more

Scams involving staged traffic accidents caused over 72,000 euros in losses during the first half of 2026. The National Republican Guard (Guarda Nacional Republicana or GNR) reports that this figure is already nearing the total losses recorded for the entire year of 2025.

The GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana) is Portugal's national gendarmerie—a military police force founded in 1911, with origins dating to 1801. With over 22,600 personnel, GNR patrols 94-96% of Portuguese territory, covering rural areas, medium towns, and highways. Members are military personnel subject to military law, responsible for public order, customs, coastal control, environmental protection (SEPNA), firefighting/rescue (GIPS), border control, and ceremonial guards. GNR vs. PSP: The PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública) is Portugal's civilian police force, covering major cities (Lisbon, Porto, Faro) and large urban areas—only 4% of territory but roughly half the population. PSP handles airport security, diplomatic protection, and private security regulation. Both share core missions (public order, crime prevention), but differ in nature: GNR is military with military training; PSP is civilian with police-focused training.

2 sources →28 Aug

Daily Editions

Constitutional Court greenlights return law as state budget absorbs rising infrastructure costs