Prime Minister Luís Montenegro faces a heated parliamentary debate as opposition parties criticize the government's response to rising fuel prices triggered by the conflict in Iran.

Miguel Ribeiro Henriques has been named the new coordinator of the mission structure for renewable energy projects (Estrutura de Missão para o Licenciamento de Projetos de Energias Renováveis 2030 or EMER 2030). He replaces Fábio Teixeira, whose appointment was rescinded following public criticism regarding his lack of experience in the energy sector. The agency is responsible for accelerating the licensing of green energy initiatives through 2030.

Portugal and Spain are forging an alliance to address climate change and enhance economic cooperation. At a recent summit, they focused on eliminating barriers for cross-border businesses while prioritizing sustainability initiatives.

The Environmental Fund has mobilised 137 million euros for emergency support following severe storms that impacted the West region. Of this total, 35 million euros will be directed to municipalities and intermunicipal entities affected by the disaster. The National Association of Portuguese Municipalities reported that many areas are still without communications over a month after the storms. Additionally, Parliament has approved a 100% paid lay-off for workers in the affected regions.

Maria da Graça Carvalho, the Environment Minister, has declared the intervention on the cliffs as a “super urgent” priority for the Government, emphasizing the need to ensure safety for beachgoers amid increasing erosion caused by recent storms. During her visit to Albufeira, she outlined a strategy focusing on cliff safety, beach recovery, and medium-term projects, with immediate actions planned to address the most critical areas before the upcoming bathing season.

The Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, Manuel Castro Almeida, has declared the removal of trees downed by severe weather a government priority ahead of the fire season. He emphasized the dangers posed by these fallen trees, particularly in the Central region, and confirmed that financial resources and legislation are in place to facilitate the removal process, including access to private lands. The Minister of Agriculture, José Manuel Fernandes, also considers this issue a top priority. The government's commitment to addressing this problem is part of a broader strategy outlined in the PTRR (Portugal Transformation, Recovery and Resilience) to enhance the country's resilience against climate-related disasters.

Paulo Fernandes, the president of the mission structure 'Rebuild the Central Region', expresses concern that over half of the local companies may have suffered damage due to severe weather conditions. He emphasizes the necessity of providing support to families who have lost their homes as a critical response to the crisis.

The environmental association Quercus is advocating for legislation to prohibit the sale of non-biodegradable wet wipes and to establish a 'biodegradable' label. They have formally communicated this request to the Government and the Assembly of the Republic.

Pacheco Pereira highlighted the link between poverty and the worsening impact of storms, emphasizing that inadequate construction quality in the country exacerbates the situation. His remarks were made during the 'Beginning of Uncertainty' event, where he addressed the challenges posed by severe weather conditions.

I express solidarity with families and businesses hit by the recent storm and analyse the economic fallout: production disruptions, supply problems, material losses and sharp revenue declines compounding an already fragile economic context. The initially approved support of about €2.5bn is inadequate; the government’s move to roughly €4bn reflects the scale of social and economic damage and the need for swift, streamlined, locally tailored aid. While budgetary discipline underpins external credibility and macroeconomic stability, excessive restraint now risks irreversible loss of productive capacity, exports and skilled jobs. Support should be treated as strategic investment in Portugal’s resilience, alongside longer‑term spending on resilient infrastructure, risk management and climate adaptation policies.

Economist João Rodrigues dos Santos warns that the €2.5 million package announced by the Prime Minister to support populations and businesses affected by Storm Kristin is likely insufficient. He argues the sum will fall short of actual needs and calls for larger, targeted structural investment in climate adaptation and resilience — prioritising long-term public safety, sustainable infrastructure and policy measures rather than one-off relief.

Former Secretary of State for the Environment Joaquim Poças Martins warns that a distinctive dike system in Portugal — described as unique nationwide — was designed for a different climatic baseline and may not cope with the growing intensity and frequency of extreme events such as droughts and floods. He argues the infrastructure and current management practices are not prepared for today’s severe weather patterns, raising questions about public safety, long-term resilience and whether such a project would be approved under modern standards. The assessment points to the need for policy review, risk reassessment and investment in adaptive measures.

An analytical minute-by-minute account of Portugal’s ongoing severe weather situation and its impacts. Authorities have declared 68 municipalities in a state of calamity until the 15th; this summary traces the evolution of the event, the response from emergency services, implications for public safety and wellbeing, and policy and service disruptions affecting residents and expats. It highlights key developments, likely near-term trends and practical safety guidance while noting where official updates and resources should be monitored.

The upcoming presidential election on February 8 presents significant challenges for the elected candidate, including addressing the impacts of climate change, such as severe storms, and making critical decisions regarding labor law reforms.

The Prime Minister's recent statement about the urgency of state action contrasts sharply with his previous admission of failure in wildfire prevention and response following the devastating 2025 wildfires. This inconsistency raises questions about the effectiveness of current policies and the government's commitment to public safety in the face of severe weather events.

Researchers say municipal and district emergency plans should have been activated proactively after the meteorological institute issued a red weather warning, criticising delays in triggering the national emergency plan. Experts warn the hesitation risked public safety and service continuity and call for a review of activation thresholds and clearer responsibilities between national and local authorities.

The government activated the National Civil Protection Emergency Plan (PNEPC) nationwide after an extraordinary, unanimously approved meeting of the National Civil Protection Commission chaired by the Minister of Internal Administration, Maria Lúcia Amaral. The decision responds to forecasts of a worsening risk scenario following Storm Kristin, with heavy rainfall expected to cause significant hydrological impacts — notably floods and inundations — necessitating coordinated national measures to protect people and property.

Right of reply from the Minister of Agriculture to PÚBLICO’s 23–24 January coverage, addressed to the ICNF. The minister argues that regulatory or legal obstacles that block project approvals should be tackled by changing the law rather than abandoning projects, stressing that governing cannot be synonymous with mere execution. The reply frames the issue as one of policy and regulatory design — balancing property rights, environmental protection and development — and calls for clearer, reform-minded legal solutions to streamline approvals while respecting conservation responsibilities.

The PSD delegation in the European Parliament has formally asked the European Commission which existing and potential instruments it can activate to assist areas of Portugal hit by Storm Kristin. PSD MEPs warned that material damage may be 'incalculable' and that conditions on the ground are worse than international reports indicate; President von der Leyen has pledged swift assistance. The delegation urged the Portuguese Government to be present in affected areas — to repair, care and listen — and called for a planned, not improvised, State response to the emergency.

The Socialist Party (PS) has asked that Agriculture Minister José Manuel Fernandes be summoned to the Assembly of the Republic after a video surfaced in which he appears to urge environmental authorities to 'not comply with the law'. PS says the comments constitute 'illegitimate pressure' on environmental bodies, reflect a dangerous government denialist stance and raise concerns that legislative or regulatory changes might be pursued to legitimise contested projects.

The government has committed €110 million to support lithium extraction projects despite strong public opposition. Environmental groups describe the funding as a 'blank cheque' paid for by taxpayers, arguing it risks local ecosystems and undermines sustainability claims. The injection of public funds raises wider questions about fiscal priorities, state backing for critical minerals, regulatory oversight and democratic legitimacy amid popular resistance.

Presidential candidate André Pestana said Portugal should prioritise domestic social and environmental needs rather than increased defence spending, declaring he does not want “a single euro more for NATO”. He argues the fight should be against low wages and pensions, environmental degradation and the deterioration of public services, and proposes that funds currently transferred to private health providers be redirected into the National Health Service (SNS), claiming a large share of the state health budget is going to private companies.