Latest news and stories about government policy in Braga, Portugal for expats and residents.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro defends his government's labour reform package, dismissing claims of a legislative fetish while facing scrutiny over the alignment of his policies with Catholic social teachings regarding worker dignity.
Braga Hospital has denied allegations of medication shortages for cancer patients, stating that the situation is due to careful management of medication quantities. Despite complaints from patients undergoing chemotherapy about not receiving necessary medications, the hospital insists there is no shortage and that patients have been referred to community pharmacies for their needs. The Health Users Commission of Braga is demanding clarification and has plans to escalate the issue to higher authorities.
Seguro warns about a critical situation in Portugal, describing it as a “time bomb”.
As an example, he pointed to the case of the response to social hospital admissions, which “is only being achieved thanks to the beds made available by the Misericórdias.”
The head of the agency responsible for the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) oversees the progress of funded projects in the municipality of Barcelos.
A public consultation saw the participation of 882 citizens, of whom 752 (85.3%) voted against the elevation of Póvoa de Lanhoso to city status, with 129 in favour (14.6%).
The Socialist Party (PS) secretary-general concluded a nationwide tour in Celorico de Basto, Braga, on Tuesday, May 19, aimed at promoting vocational education. The party plans to introduce parliamentary proposals to reduce the stigma surrounding vocational training, which has helped lower early school leaving rates from 39% in 2000 to 8% in 2023. The PS aims to pass a framework law for vocational training to reach a 50% enrollment rate, aligning Portugal with the European average. Key proposals include increasing university access for vocational students, updating curricula to include emerging fields like cybersecurity and climate transition, and improving vocational guidance in public schools. Additionally, the party calls for increased state funding, higher pay for trainers, and better coordination between the Education and Labour ministries.
José Luís Carneiro also reiterated the request for explanations from the Prime Minister regarding the potential increase in VAT for the restaurant sector.
The Secretary-General of the PS states that, over time, the labour reform proposed by the Government would “suffocate” companies and stressed that Portugal should not compete with “Asian economies”.
The PS secretary-general stressed that Portugal should not compete with “Asian economies”.
The PS secretary-general stated this Saturday, May 16, that the Government's proposed labour reform would eventually “suffocate” companies, stressing that Portugal should not compete with “Asian economies” that lack labour and environmental rights. Carneiro warned that the proposal would increase precariousness for young people, reduce sanctions for informal work, and ultimately harm productivity and competitiveness. The Socialist Party has indicated it will vote against the revision if the core principles remain unchanged.
The PS secretary-general says the Government “increased taxes on fuel” while simultaneously reducing corporate income tax (IRC) for large companies.
The Minister of Infrastructure and Housing stated on Thursday, May 14, that 100,000 'non-wealthy' young people purchased homes in the last 18 months following the implementation of IMT (municipal property tax) and stamp duty exemptions. Miguel Pinto Luz emphasized that the measure targeted the middle class—such as doctors, engineers, and entrepreneurs—rather than the wealthy, noting that the average transaction value was around 200,000 euros. The minister also addressed the 'Construir Portugal' housing strategy, the impact of immigration on housing demand, and the need for cross-party cooperation to solve the real-world housing crisis, while noting that previous housing packages failed to curb an 18% rise in property prices.
The Secretary-General of the PS stated today that the Government “lost its credibility” during the labour reform negotiations and that the “appropriate path” would be for the executive to bring a proposal to Parliament that includes the changes already agreed upon. He also states that “the ball is in the Government's court.”
The PS secretary-general stated this Sunday, May 10, that the Government lost credibility during labour reform negotiations and that the “appropriate path” would be for the executive to bring a proposal to parliament that includes the changes already agreed upon. José Luís Carneiro, speaking in Fafe on the sidelines of the Rally de Portugal, noted that the party is now waiting for the Government's next move. He also warned of “seized engines” in the economy, highlighting significant declines in public investment, foreign investment, and goods exports, while emphasizing the importance of supporting sectors like tourism and real estate. Meanwhile, Luís Montenegro challenges “20th-century unions” and expects “depth in Parliament” regarding the labour law.
“The Government has lost credibility due to the way it handled the [negotiation] process. Now we will wait to see what the Government will do,” stated José Luís Carneiro in Fafe.
The PSD/CDS municipal government revoked the previously granted authorisation for the presentation of 'Inside Chega' at a municipal venue. The session with journalist Miguel Carvalho will still take place, but at a different location.
António José Seguro stated that he wished the new Nationality Law had been based on a broader consensus, without the ideological marks of the moment.
The PS secretary-general says that “it was the prime minister who received a reprimand from the President of the Republic.”
Publicly released wiretaps reveal a conversation between the former Prime Minister and Diogo Lacerda Machado regarding the data centre that was to be built in Sines.
José Luís Carneiro is working to unify the Socialist Party's Braga district branch. What was expected to be a contested election on June 19th is now set to feature a single list led by Ricardo Costa, a move supported by the party's secretary-general. The process aims to restore stability following poor local election results, with key figures like Eduardo Oliveira and Pedro Sousa signaling support for a unified approach to strengthen the party for future electoral cycles.
The project aims to “value security in its various components.”
For the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the executive has already adopted measures that are structural, “which are changing the country”.
Forestry engineer António Silva Vivas, formerly the head of the Green Spaces and Gardens division at Braga City Council, is the new president of the public company Florestgal, which had been without leadership for over a year. António José Silva Vivas was appointed to the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors (with executive functions) to...
Amidst pomegranate trees and flags, Seguro highlighted the symbolism of Guimarães as a “cradle of the future”. In Porto, the new President of the Republic stated that “there is no Portugal without Porto”. On the second day of his mandate, the new head of state sought to commit himself to a more cohesive, sustainable country that is attentive to future generations.
The monthly fee is €51 for covered car parks and €36 for uncovered ones, with prices having increased in recent years. Unions have scheduled a protest and remind that this is a “fight for everyone.”
The candidate received 30.76% of the votes.
Cotrim de Figueiredo concludes the campaign with a dinner-rally in Braga and says he believes that, despite the controversies of recent days, he has not compromised what he considers to be the 'presidential profile' he wants to have.
After a week marked by controversy, João Cotrim de Figueiredo received words of support at the Guimarães market and renewed his call for tactical voting. The candidate insists he represents the only alternative for those who do not want to see António José Seguro in the Presidency of the Republic.
It was a decision that reached António José Seguro's team midway through a campaign event in Famalicão, in the district of Braga, and prompted an initial reaction from the PS-backed candidate while Jorge Pinto's statements were still reaching the various campaigns — with the candidate still consulting the latest information from the opposing campaign.
