Latest news and stories about government policy in Coimbra, Portugal for expats and residents.
The Ministry of Environment and Energy announced an additional 4.2 million euros to support 23 municipalities affected by severe winter storms. The funding will focus on coastal rehabilitation and dredging at the mouth of the Mondego River.
Socialist Party leader José Luís Carneiro has criticised the Portuguese government for its handling of housing and the cost of living crisis. Speaking in Coimbra, Carneiro called for the suspension of new rental laws that could ease evictions and pledged that the PS will present fully-financed counter-proposals to support affected families.
The government is launching pilot projects in select municipalities to integrate artificial intelligence into urban planning licensing, aiming to streamline processes under a new legal framework.
The president of the student ombudsman network calls for improved government coordination regarding visa access and scheduling, emphasizing that while institutions are not surrogate parents, better administrative support is essential.
The Open Presidency report for the Central region highlights the urgency of unblocking payments and removing woody debris in a context of heightened wildfire risk for the coming summer.
António José Seguro continues his Open Presidency in the Coimbra district, focusing on agricultural engagement and infrastructure visits following meetings in Tomar.
In Coimbra, local authorities have evacuated three thousand residents due to the imminent risk of dyke collapse, as persistent rain is expected in the North and Centre regions of Portugal. This article provides real-time updates on the weather conditions affecting the area.
At a campaign dinner in Lousã (Coimbra), presidential candidate Luís Marques Mendes presented a deliberate profile of a ‘firm but calm’ Presidency in Belém, arguing that steadiness and measured leadership are what the office requires. Positioning himself as a reassuring, experienced alternative, Mendes signalled an appeal to centrist and undecided voters and claimed he is in ‘pole position’ to reach the second round — an implicit campaign strategy to consolidate support ahead of a likely two‑stage contest. The remarks underscore a campaign focused on stability, competence and broadening appeal rather than polarising rhetoric.
Over two hundred people gathered today in Coimbra to sing and dance for the rights to housing and protest, condemn police violence, and demand the resignation of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.
It was past 7:00 PM when the protesters began singing and dancing to chants such as 'I want a roof, I want land, I want the right to housing' and 'Oh Montenegro, pay attention, your houses will turn into occupations'.
Upon arriving at a meeting of socialists in Coimbra, the PS secretary-general demanded explanations from the prime minister and several other members of the Government.
Socialist Party leader José Luís Carneiro has severely criticised the government, calling for the immediate suspension of new rental legislation. Speaking in Coimbra, he argued that the proposed changes would facilitate evictions and increase insecurity for young people, the middle class, and the elderly. He highlighted the housing crisis by citing a recent competition in Benfica where 6,000 applicants vied for only 70 available flats. Carneiro also promised that the PS will present fiscally responsible proposals to support families and businesses, while blaming previous legislative changes during the 'troika' era for the current market imbalances.
The PS leader says that “people have already realised that this is a law that will facilitate evictions” and that PS measures sought to “address the Cristas law.”
The Minister of the Presidency commented on the invasion of Rádio Universidade de Coimbra by members of the Chega party.
The Minister of Housing admitted to being open to dialogue and reaching a consensus with the PS regarding the rental law, but rejected the notion that the law is inhumane.
The Minister of Housing and Infrastructure admitted today, in Coimbra, an openness to reviewing the rent law with the PS, but rejected the idea that it is inhumane.
For the Government member, the Executive has accelerated the 'construction of public housing', reiterating the commitment to deliver 40,000 units by December.
The Minister of Housing and Infrastructure admitted this Tuesday in Coimbra that he is open to reviewing the rent law with the PS, but rejected the idea that it is inhumane. 'In the Assembly of the Republic, we have found consensus, sometimes on the left, sometimes on the right, on topic A, on topic B. And so, always with ...'
Aguiar-Branco accepts an invitation for a meeting with the Academic Association's General Board, but wants the Chega deputies from Coimbra to be invited as well. However, the board is blocking their entry.
In the last legislative elections, for the Coimbra constituency, four deputies were elected by the Democratic Alliance, three by the PS, and two by Chega.
People from Viseu, Braga and Castelo Branco travelled to Coimbra to join the demonstration called by the CGTP this Saturday. They are demanding better working conditions, a salary increase and more State support to manage the cost of living, which continues to rise. This is according to Luísa Silva, coordinator of the Coimbra Union of Trade Unions, speaking to CNN Portugal at the scene.
Attacks on the maternity of Rita Matias, the anti-democratic veto against Chega in Coimbra, and resignations at the Ministry of Internal Administration. Plus, the metro moving at a snail's pace.
More than just a sad media spectacle, the invasion of the Coimbra Academic Association proved, once and for all, that there is no place at the table of democracy for those who choose to kick the rules.
André Ventura defended the actions of deputies Rita Matias and Madalena Cordeiro, who entered the Rádio Universidade de Coimbra (RUC) studio despite a ban on Chega members entering the Academic Association of Coimbra (AAC) facilities. Ventura rejected the term 'invasion,' arguing the party was protesting discriminatory treatment and seeking equal participation in democratic debates.
Signatories highlight the gravity of the situation that occurred on Monday, pointing out the “importance of the effective protection of freedom of the press and editorial independence”.
The president and secretary-general of the UGT will now be allowed to serve three terms. The amendments to the UGT statutes have been approved.
The Minister of Labour assured this Saturday that there is a legal basis for the CGA to request the return of overpaid amounts, and insists that any increase in the minimum wage above the planned target must be approved by social partners. On Wednesday, it was reported that the Caixa Geral de Aposentações (CGA) will correct...
Rosário Palma Ramalho states that the Government remains available “to continue making compromises with all partners on the matters” ahead.
The Figueira da Foz City Council, on the coast of the Coimbra district, launched a campaign today denouncing the failure of the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) to fulfill its responsibilities regarding the repair of a sea wall near Teimoso beach.
Superintendent Pedro Moura is set to be the new national director of the Public Security Police (PSP), as reported by SIC Notícias and Correio da Manhã this Thursday, October 8. Born 59 years ago in Almedina, Coimbra, Moura will replace Luís Carrilho, who is moving to a liaison officer role in Paris, succeeding Magina da Silva. The new director, who holds a degree in Police Sciences and a postgraduate qualification in Civil Crisis Management, has served as the general coordinator of the Borders and Foreigners Unit since June 2024. His extensive career includes command positions, roles within the Ministry of Internal Administration, and international representation at the EU and the UN.
The Left Bloc (BE) coordinator announced that the party will vote against the 2027 State Budget proposal, refusing to endorse what they call the Prime Minister's 'bad governance cheque'. José Manuel Pureza criticised the Socialist Party (PS) for their decision to abstain, calling it a 'very serious' move that effectively gives Luís Montenegro a blank cheque. Pureza further claimed that while Chega provides the rhetoric, the PS provides the necessary votes, leaving the Prime Minister satisfied. He predicted the budget would lack courageous measures to address housing speculation, rising food costs, and high fuel prices, offering only temporary, ineffective solutions.
