Sintra

The political party Livre held its 17th congress in Sintra this weekend to elect a new spokesperson, with Jorge Pinto expected to succeed outgoing leader Rui Tavares. During the event, party members criticized the government's recent rental policies and debated the party's future strategy, including its stance on potential cooperation with the Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS).

Update: Livre challenges PS to block constitutional revision

Livre spokesperson Isabel Mendes Lopes has challenged the PS to block a right-wing constitutional revision by threatening to vote against the next State Budget. During the congress, the party also emphasized its ambition to govern by 2029 and called for ecological reindustrialisation.

Rui Tavares has stepped down as the spokesperson for the party Livre, though he denies this signals a withdrawal from the party. Tavares will remain in parliament and continue to serve on the party's executive body, the Contact Group, while Isabel Mendes Lopes and Jorge Pinto take over as co-spokespersons.

The Social Security Institute (Instituto da Segurança Social or ISS) has closed an illegal nursing home in São João das Lampas, Sintra, citing imminent danger to the 22 elderly residents. Authorities have relocated all residents to licensed social care facilities and contacted their families.

A Público study finds Muslim communities in Sintra are diverse — many residents are of Guinean origin, with growing numbers from Bangladesh and Pakistan — and have formed associations amid uncertainty about housing and employment. The report highlights precarious housing and job insecurity as central concerns for community organising. Those working in local social services or community outreach should note the new associations as contact points.