Oeiras

The European Commission has confirmed that Portugal may partially suspend the collection of biometric data at airports during peak periods to ensure passenger flow, a measure permitted under EU law until September. The Portuguese government reported a 50% reduction in border control waiting times at Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport following an increase in staff and technical resources. Brussels maintains that the recent congestion issues are not related to the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES).

Update: Portugal authorized to suspend biometric border checks

The European Commission has officially authorized Portugal to implement partial, temporary suspensions of biometric data collection at airports when necessary to prevent excessive queues. This measure is permitted under the existing Entry/Exit System (EES) regulations through September, and the government has begun notifying Brussels of specific instances where these suspensions are applied.

The Court of Auditors (Tribunal de Contas or TdC) has identified illegalities regarding the appointment of at least 49 managers at the Oeiras City Council (Câmara de Oeiras). These officials have been serving in acting roles beyond the 90-day legal limit without the required public tender procedures. The TdC report suggests these findings could lead to future disciplinary action against those responsible for human resources management.

Portugal is participating in a large-scale NATO military exercise in the Mediterranean Sea from Monday through Thursday. Known as Neptune Strike 26, the operation is led by the Alliance's Naval Striking and Support Forces, which are based in Oeiras. The exercise involves several member nations, including France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Turkey.

The Avenida Marginal and the Cascais railway line will close on Saturday night in Algés to allow for the installation of a new pedestrian bridge. Rail services between Cais do Sodré and Caxias will be suspended starting at 9:00 PM, with road traffic closures beginning at 10:00 PM.

The Chega party has submitted a motion of no confidence against the Oeiras municipal executive following the indictment of Mayor Isaltino Morais for embezzlement (peculato) and abuse of power. The Public Prosecutor's Office (Ministério Público) alleges that Morais and 22 other officials misused 150,000 euros in public funds for personal meals disguised as business lunches between 2017 and 2024. Oeiras residents should monitor the upcoming Municipal Assembly (Assembleia Municipal) vote on the motion.

The Public Prosecutor's Office (Ministério Público) has charged the Mayor of Oeiras, Isaltino Morais, and 22 other officials with embezzlement (peculato) and abuse of power. The case involves over 150,000 euros spent on 1,441 meals paid for by the municipality between 2017 and 2024, including luxury items like seafood and tobacco. Prosecutors are seeking the return of the funds and the forfeiture of the mayor's mandate, while the Oeiras City Council (Câmara Municipal de Oeiras) refutes the allegations. Oeiras residents should be aware of the potential for leadership changes if the case proceeds to trial.

Update: Details emerge on alleged meal expense embezzlement scheme

New details suggest that local restaurants billed the city council directly for the meals, with payments reportedly made in cash to avoid standard oversight. The scheme allegedly involved costs averaging over 1,200 euros per month, and the list of 23 defendants now includes a current Lisbon city councillor and a former Secretary of State.