8,000 bodycams planned; self‑certified sick leave rises

Press coverage says the government plans to equip PSP and GNR officers with around 8,000 body cameras to strengthen policing oversight, while reporting also highlights a rise in self‑certified sick leave among workers. The combined coverage frames the moves as part of wider debates on policing accountability and labour‑market trends. Those interacting with police or employers should note the proposals may change how incidents are recorded and how employers and social security handle short sick absences.

Update: Autobaixas top 539,423 in 2025

ECO reports the National Health Service has issued 1,266,354 “autobaixas” since the self‑certification option began in May 2023, with a record 539,423 issued in 2025; the measure allows up to three days of self‑certified sick leave.

Context & Explainers

The PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública) is Portugal's national civilian police force, founded in 1867. Responsible for defending Republican democracy and safeguarding internal security and citizens' rights, the PSP polices major cities—Lisbon, Porto, Faro—and large urban areas, covering only 4% of Portugal's territory but roughly half the population. Led by a National Director under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, its approximately 21,500 officers handle preventive policing, crime investigation, public order, airport security, diplomatic protection, private security regulation, firearms licensing, and border control (since 2023).

PSP vs. GNR: The PSP is civilian with police-focused training and urban jurisdiction, while the GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana) is military (gendarmerie) with military training, covering 96% of Portugal's rural and suburban territory. Both share core public safety missions but differ fundamentally in nature, training, and geographic responsibility.

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.

An autobaixa (self-certified sick note) is a short self-declaration of illness introduced in May 2023 that allows a worker to be absent for up to three days without a doctor's visit; the National Health Service (SNS) has recorded 1,266,354 autobaixas since the change. Employees and employers should note this affects how short absences are recorded and may be subject to later verification by authorities or employers.