Monday, 7 September 2026

PCP Secretary-General Paulo Raimundo has warned the Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS) that enabling the upcoming State Budget would provide the government with conditions to intensify its policy agenda. Raimundo argued that such support would also relieve the Chega party of the need to act as the primary opposition, urging the PS to reject the budget instead.

Five Portuguese business schools have secured spots in the 2026 Financial Times Masters in Management ranking, with the Nova School of Business and Economics (Nova SBE) reaching second place globally. The Católica-Lisbon SBE, Iscte Business School, and Católica-Porto SBE also improved their positions, while the ISEG Lisbon School of Economics and Management made its debut in the elite list.

The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA) has issued a yellow warning for seven districts due to high maximum temperatures. The alert affects Beja, Castelo Branco, Évora, Faro, Lisbon, Setúbal, and Portalegre, with temperatures potentially reaching 38 degrees Celsius. The warning remains in effect until 9:00 PM today.

Utility provider E-REDES has announced scheduled power outages for 6 September in parts of Palmela, Mafra, and Vila Nova de Milfontes. The interruptions are necessary for maintenance work, though the company clarified that outages will likely affect specific streets rather than entire parishes.

The Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS) has not yet revealed its final position on a motion of no confidence presented by Chega. Secretary-General José Luís Carneiro emphasized that the PS remains committed to ensuring political stability and will either vote against the motion or abstain, effectively guaranteeing its defeat. Critics argue that the political focus on such controversies risks distracting from urgent national issues like housing and healthcare.

A short-lived but intense storm brought heavy rain, hail, and strong winds to Albergaria-a-Velha and Oliveira de Azeméis on Saturday night. The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil or ANEPC) reported significant material damage to homes and vehicles, as well as fallen trees and localized flooding. No injuries or displaced residents have been reported following the event.

The government has extended the deadline for the privatization of the national airline, TAP, until the end of the year. This extension allows for three weeks of final negotiations with the two remaining bidders, Air France-KLM and Lufthansa. The executive aims to secure improved binding proposals before finalizing the sale.

A new entry and exit control system is now in effect at Portuguese airports, requiring the mandatory collection of biometric data from all passengers arriving from outside the European Union. The National Unit for Foreigners and Borders (Unidade Nacional de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras or UNEF) of the Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP) stated that the system is ready to process fingerprints and photographs. While the government anticipates increased pressure at border crossings, officials claim procedures are in place to minimize passenger delays.

More than 270 emergency personnel are currently battling a wildfire in the Serra d'Ossa area of Estremoz. The fire, which broke out in a region of scrub and pine forest, has prompted a significant mobilization of resources by the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil or ANEPC).

Fitch Ratings has upgraded Portugal's sovereign debt rating from A to A+, citing strengthened public finances and a projected decline in government debt. Finance Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmento welcomed the decision as a sign of international confidence in the Portuguese economy. The agency projects economic growth of 2.1% for 2026, supported by primary surpluses and investment.