Latest news and stories about expat wellbeing in Portugal for expats and residents.
Portugal Wasn't Love at First Sight... Did She Stay?
ExpatsEverywhere • 1:00:33 • 2w ago
Money doesn't make Portugal go round
Portugal - The Simple Life • 48:13 • 2w ago
Portugal’s Best Medium-Sized Cities for Expats
ExpatsEverywhere • 57:36 • 3w ago
A group of parents is taking legal action against the Ministry of Education due to a lack of available places in public schools for their children. Families in the Lisbon area report that they have been waiting for placements since July, leaving many students without assigned classrooms as the school year begins.
The Algarve has been named the second-best place in the world to retire in 2026 by the Overseas Retirement Index from Live and Invest Overseas. The region scored highly for its climate, safety, and healthcare, ranking behind Boquete, Panama, but ahead of other popular destinations in Mexico, France, Greece, and Spain.
The Social Security Institute (Instituto da Segurança Social or ISS) has issued its sixth alert this year regarding fraudulent messages sent in its name. The phishing attempts use links that mimic the official portal to solicit personal or banking information. The ISS, led by Pedro Corte Real, emphasizes that it never requests sensitive data via SMS or messaging apps and urges the public to use only official channels.
The Social Security Institute (Instituto da Segurança Social) is the public agency that runs Portugal’s social security system, administering pensions, unemployment benefits, family support and local social services. It also coordinates emergency social responses through local offices and mobile teams — for example, the institute mobilized over 200 technicians after recent storms and supported 1,537 displaced people as of 14 February; residents affected should contact their local Social Security office or municipal authority for assistance.
Phishing is a fraudulent practice where scammers send deceptive emails or messages that mimic legitimate organizations to steal personal or financial information. In Portugal, these attacks often target users of public services like the Social Security Institute (Instituto da Segurança Social or ISS) by including malicious links designed to capture sensitive data.
The municipality of Vila Nova de Poiares in the Coimbra district is launching a new Portuguese language course for foreign residents. Starting in September, the program is designed to help English-speaking expats improve their language skills and support their integration into the local community.
A working group for Social Security (Segurança Social) reform has released a final report suggesting a shift toward complementary social protection systems. The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from left-wing parties, including the Portuguese Communist Party (Partido Comunista Português or PCP), which warned against any moves toward privatization.
António Filipe is a politician from the PCP (Partido Comunista Português) who, in this story, acknowledged that his election results fell short and said the party would join forces to oppose what it called a 'serious threat to democracy'. His remarks indicate the PCP intends to be active in post-election alliances rather than withdrawing from national debates. Voters and those following left-wing politics should pay attention to his and the PCP's next moves.
The Secretary of State for Higher Education has requested that the Public Prosecutor's Office (Ministério Público) investigate reports of antisemitism at the University of Coimbra. The case involves allegations of hate speech and graffiti targeting Jewish and Israeli individuals, which the university claims to have previously reported to authorities.
The Ministério Público (Public Prosecution Service) is Portugal's independent state prosecution body, responsible for leading criminal investigations, bringing charges, and representing the public interest in court.
The MP operates autonomously from the government and the police, though it directs criminal investigations carried out by the Polícia Judiciária, PSP, and GNR. It is led by the Procurador-Geral da República (Attorney General), who is appointed by the President on the government's proposal.
The MP gets involved in high-profile cases including corruption, financial crime, and incidents of potential institutional negligence. It also defends the legality of government actions and protects citizens' fundamental rights through the courts.
The Portuguese League Against Cancer (Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro or LPCC) is offering free skin cancer screenings on beaches across the Algarve, Alentejo, and the Greater Lisbon area until August 29. Dermatologists are conducting observations between 9:00 and 18:00 to analyze skin changes and provide sun safety advice.
The Portuguese League Against Cancer (Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro or LPCC) is a non-profit organization that provides support to cancer patients and their families. It works alongside the national health system to offer information, psychosocial support, and financial assistance to those navigating oncology treatments in Portugal.
Medical costs in Portugal are projected to rise by 6.2% in 2026, leading companies to adjust their employee health insurance policies. According to the Medical Trend Report by the MDS Group, this trend is exacerbated by the ongoing strain on the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS), which currently faces significant waiting lists for consultations and surgeries.
If you need emergency care and a local ED is understaffed, call 112 for life‑threatening situations or contact the national health triage line (SNS 24) for urgent guidance; the operator can direct you to the nearest hospital with capacity or arrange an ambulance. As an expat, also consider local private hospitals or clinics if available and keep your health insurance details and ID ready to speed up admission.
Secretary of State for Portuguese Communities Emídio Sousa confirmed that no Portuguese citizens have been reported as victims of the ongoing wildfires in France and Spain. Although approximately 3,000 Portuguese nationals and people of Portuguese descent were evacuated from the Le Porge area near Bordeaux, diplomatic services report no emergency requests from the community.
Emídio Sousa is a Portuguese politician and member of the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD). He currently serves as a member of the European Parliament, having previously held the position of mayor of Santa Maria da Feira from 2013 to 2024.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that 116 Portuguese citizens and people of Portuguese descent have died following the double earthquake that struck Venezuela on June 24. Official figures from Venezuelan authorities indicate the total death toll from the disaster has now exceeded 4,500, while the number of missing persons has decreased to 53.
Data from the Directorate-General for Justice Policy (Direção-Geral da Política da Justiça or DGPJ) shows that the number of elderly crime victims rose by 30.5% between 2020 and 2025. This increase outpaces the growth rate of the general population, with property crimes remaining the most common offense reported to the Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP), the National Republican Guard (Guarda Nacional Republicana or GNR), and the Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ).
The PJ (Polícia Judiciária) is Portugal's national criminal investigation police agency, founded in 1945. Operating under the Ministry of Justice and supervised by the Public Ministry (prosecutors), the PJ is a "higher criminal police body" specializing in serious and complex crimes. Mission: The PJ assists judicial and prosecuting authorities by investigating terrorism, organized crime, homicide, kidnapping, drug trafficking, corruption, cybercrime, financial crime, and money laundering. It conducts forensic examinations, operates Portugal's Interpol and Europol liaison offices, and maintains specialized units including the National Counterterrorism Unit and National Anti-Corruption Unit. Difference from PSP/GNR: While PSP (civilian urban police) and GNR (military rural police) focus on preventive policing, public order, and investigating minor crimes, the PJ exclusively handles serious crime investigation requiring specialized technical and scientific expertise. PSP and GNR report to the Ministry of Internal Affairs; PJ reports to the Ministry of Justice. PJ officers receive higher pay and prestige but face greater operational risk.
The Directorate-General for Justice Policy (Direção-Geral da Política de Justiça or DGPJ) is a government agency under the Ministry of Justice responsible for collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data on the Portuguese justice system. It serves as the primary source for official information regarding crime trends, court operations, and legal demographics in Portugal.
A new international study, the STADA Health Report 2026, reveals that only 44% of Portuguese respondents feel they have control over managing their own health, the lowest among 20 countries surveyed. While the average across other nations reached 78%, Portugal fell significantly behind, with researchers identifying financial comfort as a primary factor in health autonomy. The findings suggest that personal health management is closely linked to economic stability.
Determined by the National Health Authority, the measure implies a reinforcement of monitoring and response capacity of health services throughout the mainland.
The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA) has warned of a severe heatwave lasting eight to 10 days across almost the entire country. Temperatures are expected to exceed 40°C in many areas, with nighttime relief unlikely, prompting health and meteorology experts to urge caution.
A red warning is the highest alert level issued by Portugal's weather agency, the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and the Atmosphere (Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera or IPMA), used when conditions pose a very high risk to life and property. Under a red warning authorities may close roads, suspend transport and advise people to avoid coastal and flood‑prone areas, so follow civil protection instructions during the Friday–Saturday storm period.
The Attorney General's Office (Procuradoria-Geral da República or PGR) has issued a warning regarding a phone scam targeting users of the PayPal payment application. Scammers, speaking in English, contact victims claiming suspicious transactions have occurred to steal personal credentials or trick them into making payments. The PGR advises the public to avoid sharing information or installing software suggested by unknown callers.
The Ministério Público (Public Prosecution Service) is Portugal's independent state prosecution body, responsible for leading criminal investigations, bringing charges, and representing the public interest in court.
The MP operates autonomously from the government and the police, though it directs criminal investigations carried out by the Polícia Judiciária, PSP, and GNR. It is led by the Procurador-Geral da República (Attorney General), who is appointed by the President on the government's proposal.
The MP gets involved in high-profile cases including corruption, financial crime, and incidents of potential institutional negligence. It also defends the legality of government actions and protects citizens' fundamental rights through the courts.
A study by the consulting firm William Russell has ranked Portugal as the ninth most welcoming country globally for expatriates and migrants. The report awarded the country a score of 7.47 out of 10, citing a positive balance between legal entry access and the capacity of the national labour market to integrate foreign workers.
The number of students with foreign nationality in Portuguese public schools has increased by 283% over the last decade, according to a new report from the think tank EDULOG. Foreign students now account for one in seven pupils, with experts noting that the education system is struggling to adapt to this demographic shift. The report highlights that retention rates for these students are significantly higher than those of their Portuguese peers.
EDULOG is a think tank (think tank) focused on education policy and research in Portugal. It is an initiative of the Belmiro de Azevedo Foundation and produces data-driven studies to help inform public debate and improve the national education system.
Eight cities in Portugal have been named among the 250 happiest in the world according to the 2026 Happy City Index. The report evaluates urban well-being based on factors such as air quality, safety, social cohesion, and mobility efficiency rather than just economic wealth.
The Directorate-General of Health (Direção-Geral da Saúde or DGS) reported 18,601 pregnancy terminations in 2024, a 5% increase from the previous year. Most procedures were elective, performed within the first ten weeks of pregnancy, with the Lisbon and Tagus Valley region accounting for over half of the total cases.
The DGS (Direção-Geral da Saúde) is Portugal's central public health authority, responsible for setting health policy guidelines, managing vaccination programs, disease surveillance, and public health campaigns. It operates under the Ministry of Health.
The DGS issues clinical guidelines (normas) that health professionals across Portugal follow, manages the national vaccination schedule, coordinates responses to disease outbreaks, and publishes health statistics. It became widely known during the COVID-19 pandemic as the lead agency for public health guidance.
For residents, the DGS is the authoritative source for vaccination schedules, health alerts, and clinical guidance. Its recommendations shape how hospitals and health centers deliver care across the country.
Dozens of citizens gathered in Setúbal for a public forum organized by the Portuguese Communist Party (Partido Comunista Português or PCP) to demand more doctors and improved services within the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS). Participants criticized the current state of digital infrastructure, noting that the SNS24 app often acts as a barrier to care rather than a solution. The PCP accused the government of neglecting public health facilities while failing to address the shortage of family doctors.
The Portuguese Communist Party (PCP or Partido Comunista Português) is a Marxist‑Leninist party founded in 1921 out of the revolutionary trade‑union and anarcho‑syndicalist movement, becoming the Portuguese section of the Comintern in 1923. Banned after the 1926 coup, it went underground and became a central force of resistance to the Estado Novo dictatorship, organizing clandestine unions, anti‑fascist struggle and supporting the colonial liberation movements. After the 1974 Carnation Revolution, the PCP was pivotal in land reform, nationalisations and embedding social rights in the 1976 Constitution, especially in the Alentejo and Setúbal regions where it has long been very strong.
Today the PCP is a smaller but still influential party rooted in the CGTP trade‑union confederation and local government, holding a handful of Assembly seats and one MEP in the Left group. It advocates a “patriotic and left‑wing alternative”: defence of workers’ rights, public services and national sovereignty, strong criticism of EU and NATO constraints, and support for socialist countries and anti‑imperialist causes.
Family medicine (Medicina Geral e Familiar) is the medical specialty that provides continuous primary care through family doctors who manage common illnesses, chronic diseases and preventive care. In Portugal these specialists are the backbone of the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde); the story notes 57 doctors finished the specialty and 38 stayed in the NHS, giving family doctors to about 77,500 patients.
Seguro discusses the necessary improvements for Portugal to become an exceptional place for employment during his visit to Madrid.
President of the Republic António José Seguro stated during his official visit to Madrid that Portugal must improve career progression and salary conditions to become an extraordinary country to work in. While acknowledging Portugal is an excellent place to live, he urged young expatriates to remain engaged with the country's economic development. He also signaled that the government needs to address these labour issues to retain young talent.
António José Martins Seguro (born March 11, 1962, in Penamacor) is a lawyer, political scientist, and the current President of the Portuguese Republic, inaugurated on March 9, 2026 after winning the two-round presidential election in January–February 2026.
Career: He led Socialist Youth (1990–1994), served as MEP (1999–2001), was Minister Adjunct to PM António Guterres (2001–2002), and led the PS parliamentary group (2004–2005). Elected PS Secretary-General in 2011 with 68%, he led the opposition during Portugal's bailout era. In 2014, António Costa defeated him in party primaries by a landslide, prompting Seguro's resignation and a decade-long retreat from politics. He returned in 2025, launching the movement UPortugal and announcing his presidential candidacy in June. He received official PS backing in October 2025 and won the presidency in February 2026.
Political philosophy: Seguro positions himself as representing a "modern and moderate" left, advocating financial responsibility while opposing austerity. As President, he has emphasized institutional trust, efficient governance, and a collaborative relationship with the government while maintaining rigorous constitutional oversight.
Data from the National Statistics Institute (Instituto Nacional de Estatística or INE) shows that 39.4% of people aged 16 and over in Portugal reported symptoms of generalized anxiety in 2025. This represents a significant increase from the previous year, with women, the elderly, and the unemployed identified as the most affected groups. The report highlights that 11.3% of the population experienced severe symptoms.
INE (Instituto Nacional de Estatística) is Portugal's official statistics office, responsible for collecting, processing, and publishing data on the economy, population, housing, employment, inflation, and social conditions.
Key INE publications include the Consumer Price Index (CPI), quarterly GDP figures, housing price indices, census data, and labor market statistics. These figures are widely used by policymakers, journalists, lenders, and international organizations to assess Portugal's economic and social trends.
INE data is publicly available at ine.pt, where users can access databases, press releases, and interactive tools covering everything from property prices to demographic shifts.
The government has submitted a proposal to the Assembly of the Republic (Assembleia da República) to ratify an agreement with Brazil that simplifies school equivalence for basic and secondary education. Currently, Brazilian students represent nearly half of all foreign pupils in Portuguese public schools. While the agreement addresses primary and secondary levels, it does not yet extend to higher education.
The Assembly of the Republic (Assembleia da República) is Portugal's unicameral parliament, located in the Palácio de São Bento in Lisbon. It consists of 230 deputies elected by proportional representation for four-year terms.
The Assembly's powers include making and amending laws, approving the state budget, ratifying international treaties, and overseeing the government through debates, hearings, and committees. It can also pass votes of no confidence to bring down a government, as happened in March 2025.
Following the May 2025 elections, the current parliamentary composition is led by the Democratic Alliance (AD) with the largest share of seats, followed by Chega, PS, and smaller parties including the Liberal Initiative, Left Bloc, Livre, and PCP.
The SNS 24 psychological counselling line (Linha de Aconselhamento Psicológico) has answered 448,000 calls since its launch in 2020. The service is staffed by 170 psychologists and has been available in English since 2022 to support residents and health professionals. Most callers seek help for anxiety and crisis situations, with the service now averaging 430 consultations daily.
If you need emergency care and a local ED is understaffed, call 112 for life‑threatening situations or contact the national health triage line (SNS 24) for urgent guidance; the operator can direct you to the nearest hospital with capacity or arrange an ambulance. As an expat, also consider local private hospitals or clinics if available and keep your health insurance details and ID ready to speed up admission.
Students from Portuguese-speaking African countries (Países Africanos de Língua Oficial Portuguesa or PALOP) are reporting significant hardships due to visa delays and high living costs in Portugal. Many students arrive months after the academic year begins, which severely impacts their mental health and academic performance. The delays are described as a systemic barrier for international students entering through special quotas.
Socialist Party leader José Luís Carneiro reported that Venezuelan authorities have shown willingness to address the situation of four Luso-Venezuelan political prisoners currently detained in the country. During a meeting in Caracas, José Luís Carneiro expressed the Portuguese government's concern regarding the detainees and the importance of their release. The Luso-Venezuelan community should note that this represents a potential diplomatic opening for families seeking the return of their relatives.
Socialist Party (PS)
Portugal's other traditional major party suffered a historic collapse in the 2025 election, dropping from 78 to 58 seats and falling to third place for the first time in democratic history. The party was led by Pedro Nuno Santos from January 2024 until his resignation following the May 2025 defeat. José Luís Carneiro, a 53-year-old former Minister of Internal Administration known for his moderate positioning within the party, was elected unopposed as the new Secretary-General with 95% of votes in June 2025. The Socialist Party governed Portugal from 2015 to 2024, including an absolute majority from 2022 to 2024 under António Costa, who resigned in November 2023 amid a corruption investigation. The PS previously led the innovative "Geringonça" (contraption) coalition government from 2015-2019, a minority government supported by the Left Bloc and Portuguese Communist Party that reversed austerity measures and presided over economic recovery.
Workers can now check their sickness benefit (subsídio de doença) amount immediately through the Social Security portal (Segurança Social Direta). The value is calculated as soon as the medical certificate (Certificado de Incapacidade Temporária) is entered into the system by health services. Employees should be aware they can also view the specific calculation method in their personal area. Workers should note that this digital update also allows for online filing of work accident forms.
Users who have no contact with the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) may lose their assigned family doctor (médico de família) starting in June. Separately, health officials are warning foreign mothers to prioritize prenatal care following a report on fetal mortality rates. The National Health Council (Conselho Nacional de Saúde or CNS) also warned that service cuts are already occurring across the country despite growing demand. SNS patients should be aware that regular contact with their health unit is necessary to maintain their registration.
The Central Administration of the Health System (Administração Central do Sistema de Saúde or ACSS) clarified that new registration rules for primary care will not result in patients losing access to the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS). The update aims to clean up patient lists that do not reflect reality and ensure family doctors (médicos de família) can focus on those needing regular care. SNS patients should be aware that these administrative changes are intended to improve service efficiency rather than restrict care.
The Central Administration of the Health System (Administração Central do Sistema de Saúde or ACSS) is updating its records to ensure that public health resources are allocated to those who actually need them. This process involves removing inactive users from lists to better reflect the current population using the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS). SNS patients should be aware that accurate registration is necessary to maintain access to primary care (cuidados de saúde primários).
A new index from the association Equalmed finds Portugal spends the least on pharmaceuticals per citizen among its reference countries and has the lowest equity in access to medicines; the report estimates about 1,577 potentially avoidable deaths annually if Portugal matched France’s access level. The coverage also notes Portuguese households pay a high share of medicine costs out of pocket and that barriers leave serious gaps in availability. The findings come from the Index of Equity in Access to Medication compiled by Equalmed and were reported across national outlets. Those with chronic conditions or who regularly buy prescriptions should check cost‑sharing rules and ask their GP about alternatives.
Equalmed is a Portuguese non-profit association that researches access to medicines, drug pricing and pharmaceutical spending. Its recent study found Portugal has the lowest pharmaceutical expenditure per citizen among reference countries and estimated 1,577 deaths from treatable conditions in one year linked to access gaps; its findings feed debates that can affect drug prices and prescription costs.
The Index of Equity in Access to Medication (Índice de Equidade no Acesso a Medicamentos) is a measure used in the Equalmed study to compare how fairly countries fund and price medicines. It uses indicators such as per‑capita drug spending, the share of the health budget on medicines and price‑setting practices to rank countries, which helps policymakers spot gaps that may affect availability and patient outcomes.
Correio da Manhã reports that elderly women were slapped at an unlicensed care home in Maia, prompting police attention and public concern. The facility is described as operating without proper licensing; social services or criminal investigators may become involved as the case progresses. Relatives and those seeking private care should verify licences and report suspected abuse to local authorities.
Update: Owner faces trial for elderly mistreatment
Correio da Manhã now reports the owner of the illegal Maia care home has been brought before the courts on charges of mistreating residents. The case moves from investigation to prosecution and may lead to criminal hearings; families of residents and prospective private‑care clients should monitor legal outcomes but do not need new immediate action beyond verifying licences.
Almost a month after Storm Kristin, some residents still cannot return home; Expresso reports that in Souto da Carpalhosa one family is living in makeshift accommodation after losing their house and have delayed plans to return from Switzerland. The report underscores that recovery is uneven and that personal displacement continues even where repair work on infrastructure has begun. Homeowners and renters in affected areas should track local authority updates and insurance or social-assistance options.
Storm Kristin was a named Atlantic storm that struck Portugal in late 2024, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds (gusts exceeding 100 km/h in some areas), and significant coastal wave action. The storm caused widespread flooding, roof collapses, fallen trees, and power outages across several districts.
IPMA issued orange and red warnings for affected regions, and ANEPC activated emergency response plans. The impact was particularly severe in flood-prone areas of the Lisbon metropolitan area and the Tagus and Mondego river basins, where drainage systems were overwhelmed.
Storm Kristin highlighted recurring vulnerabilities in Portugal's infrastructure during extreme weather events — including urban drainage capacity, riverbank management, and the need for updated emergency response coordination. Residents in storm-affected areas were advised to follow civil protection guidance, avoid coastal zones and riverbanks, and report damage through municipal services.
Power outages around Monte Redondo, in the Leiria district, are conditioning access to healthcare: a local clinic has reverted to handwritten prescriptions and services are operating with limits, RTP reports. The disruption follows recent electrical-network failures linked to bad weather and has forced some patients to change plans or seek alternative providers. Those in the area should call ahead to clinics or health posts and keep written prescriptions if a pharmacy visit is needed.
The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has promulgated a decree from the Assembly establishing an extraordinary process to clear pending cases at medical boards that assess incapacity, RTP and Correio da Manhã report. The move aims to reduce long delays for incapacity decisions and speed up benefit or employment-related outcomes for affected people. Those awaiting medical-board (juntas médicas) rulings should track notices from the health ministry and the boards handling their case.
Electoral Mandate and Democratic Consensus:
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was elected President of Portugal on January 24, 2016, winning 52.0% of the vote in the first round—a decisive victory in a fragmented field. He campaigned as an independent, positioning himself as a unifying figure after years of austerity from Portugal's 2011–14 bailout, promising to repair political divisions and restore national confidence. His campaign emphasized moderation and cross-party consensus, a departure from his decades-long association with the center-right Social Democratic Party (PSD). Upon taking office on March 9, 2016, he suspended his party membership for the duration of his presidency.
His 2021 re-election proved extraordinary: Rebelo de Sousa secured 60.7% of the vote—the third-highest margin in Portuguese presidential electoral history since the 1974 Carnation Revolution. Historically, he became the first candidate ever to win in all 308 municipalities and the vast majority of parishes, ranging from 51.3% in Beja District to 72.16% in Madeira. This unprecedented sweep reflected his broad appeal across social, geographic, and ideological divides.
Constitutional Role and Crisis Leadership:
Portugal operates as a semi-presidential system where the president, while largely ceremonial, exercises meaningful influence over national security, foreign policy, and military affairs as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Rebelo de Sousa leveraged this authority during Portugal's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, he requested parliamentary authorization for a state of emergency—the first nationwide declaration in 46 years of democratic history—to contain the crisis. He voluntarily quarantined after potential COVID-19 exposure in March 2020, and later tested positive in January 2021 while remaining asymptomatic. His measured handling of the pandemic, balancing public health with institutional continuity, contributed to his landslide 2021 re-election.
Diplomatic Engagement and International Presence:
Rebelo de Sousa has conducted extensive state visits representing Portugal's interests across diverse regions: the Vatican, Spain, Mozambique, Morocco, Brazil, Switzerland, Cuba, the United Kingdom, Greece, the United States, and Angola. A notable diplomatic highlight occurred in 2019 when he joined President Emmanuel Macron at the Bastille Day military parade in Paris, representing European military cooperation and the European Intervention Initiative. These engagements positioned Portugal as an active participant in global affairs, particularly regarding colonial history and Atlantic security partnerships.
Colonial Legacy and Historical Accountability:
During his presidency, Rebelo de Sousa has publicly supported making restitution and acknowledging abuses committed during Portugal's colonial history and the country's role in the Atlantic slave trade. This position marked a significant policy shift, as Portugal historically avoided confronting its imperial past compared to other European powers. His stance reflected evolving attitudes within Portuguese society toward historical accountability.
Controversies and Public Criticism:
Rebelo de Sousa's presidency has not been without controversy. In 2023, allegations emerged that he had intervened to expedite treatment for Brazilian twins with Zolgensma, an expensive rare disease medication, raising questions about presidential influence and potential corruption. These claims implicated his son and generated criticism across Portuguese political and media sectors. Additionally, in April 2024, Rebelo de Sousa made controversial remarks comparing the speed of Prime Ministers António Costa and Luís Montenegro using orientalist language that drew public rebuke. In August 2025, he called U.S. President Donald Trump a "Russian asset" at a PSD event, demonstrating his willingness to make provocative foreign policy statements.
Constitutional Constraints and Legacy:
Under Portugal's constitution, Rebelo de Sousa is barred from running for a third consecutive term, meaning his presidency concludes with elections scheduled for January 18, 2026. His decade-long tenure has established him as one of Portugal's most popular recent heads of state, characterized by broad consensus-building and institutional stability. Whether future presidents can replicate his cross-party appeal remains an open question for Portuguese democracy as it enters a new era.
An junta médica (medical board) is a panel of doctors who produce formal reports to assess medical incapacity, disability, sick leave or fitness for procedures; those reports are used by Social Security and courts to decide benefits and legal outcomes. Backlogs in junta médica decisions can delay payments, access to treatment or surgery, so the president's recent decree to clear pending cases aims to speed up those assessments; residents awaiting decisions should check the status with Social Security (Segurança Social) or their treating doctor.
The President of the Republic (Presidente da República) is Portugal's head of state, elected by direct popular vote for a five-year term, renewable once. The role is largely ceremonial but carries significant reserve powers that become crucial during political crises.
Key presidential powers include: appointing the Prime Minister (based on election results and parliamentary consultations), dissolving the Assembly of the Republic and calling new elections, vetoing legislation (which parliament can override), referring laws to the Constitutional Court, and declaring states of emergency.
The President also represents Portugal internationally, serves as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, and plays a moderating role in political disputes. António José Seguro has served as President since March 2026, following the two-round presidential election in January 2026.
Coverage argues that cuts or slower funding to the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde or SNS) push some costs onto patients and boost demand for private care, while Portugal Resident reports Luzdoc has added a cardiology specialty in the western Algarve. The combination suggests private providers are expanding services to meet demand where public access is strained or slower. Patients who rely on public care or prefer private options should check waiting lists, referral rules and private clinic capacities in their region.
The government-appointed coordinator for the response to storm Kristin (tempestade Kristin) said the extreme weather affecting about 60 municipalities may be “the largest contemporary natural catastrophe” in the country and estimated losses could reach €6 billion. Paulo Fernandes, named to lead on-the-ground coordination, warned of substantial recovery needs and urged fast, organised support for displaced families and damaged infrastructure. Residents and property owners in affected areas should follow municipal notices and expect inspections, aid applications and potential temporary measures.
Update: How to request state disaster aid
A new guide published by national outlets explains eligibility and the application steps for state disaster assistance, setting out who can apply and what documentation is required. The coverage is practical: affected households and businesses are being told where to submit claims and which municipal or central-government services to contact as recovery programmes are set up.
Storm Kristin was a named Atlantic storm that struck Portugal in late 2024, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds (gusts exceeding 100 km/h in some areas), and significant coastal wave action. The storm caused widespread flooding, roof collapses, fallen trees, and power outages across several districts.
IPMA issued orange and red warnings for affected regions, and ANEPC activated emergency response plans. The impact was particularly severe in flood-prone areas of the Lisbon metropolitan area and the Tagus and Mondego river basins, where drainage systems were overwhelmed.
Storm Kristin highlighted recurring vulnerabilities in Portugal's infrastructure during extreme weather events — including urban drainage capacity, riverbank management, and the need for updated emergency response coordination. Residents in storm-affected areas were advised to follow civil protection guidance, avoid coastal zones and riverbanks, and report damage through municipal services.
A state of calamity (situação de calamidade) is the highest level of civil emergency Portugal can declare under its Civil Protection framework, short of a constitutional state of emergency. It is typically declared by the government in response to severe natural disasters such as major wildfires, floods, or storms.
A calamity declaration activates the National Civil Protection Emergency Plan, mobilizes additional resources, and grants authorities expanded powers to restrict movement, requisition private property, and deploy military assets. It also unlocks emergency financial support for affected populations and municipalities.
Portugal uses a three-tier alert system: alerta (alert), contingência (contingency), and calamidade (calamity), each with escalating levels of coordination and authority. The state of calamity requires coordination between the national government, ANEPC, local authorities, and emergency services.
Correio da Manhã reports Almada set up a support office after severe weather and landslides forced 476 people from their homes. The municipality is coordinating temporary shelter and assistance for those affected while monitoring further slope stability risks. Residents in the area should follow municipal guidance and local emergency updates.
Público reports Brazilian businessman and former Big Brother Brasil contestant Vagner Lara was robbed by around a dozen men after a family dinner at Lisbon's Praça do Comércio; he described feeling traumatised and said there was no police presence in the area. The incident underlines risks in busy tourist spots at night and has prompted calls for better local policing. Visitors and residents in central Lisbon should take standard safety precautions, especially after dark.
Vagner Lara is a man named in the report who said he previously lived in Lisbon and was robbed by a group of 12 men after a family dinner at Praça do Comércio on 17 February. He told the outlet there was no police presence in the area during the incident; those in Lisbon should note this when thinking about street safety and how to report crimes.
Observador reports that public-health assessments place Portugal at heightened risk for Chikungunya virus transmission this season. Health authorities and local clinics may increase surveillance and vector-control efforts; travellers and residents should avoid mosquito exposure and seek care for fever or joint pain. Those relying on public healthcare should be aware of possible upticks in clinic demand.
Update: Observador: Portugal at high Chikungunya risk
Observador's assessment again places Portugal at elevated transmission risk this season and says health services may scale up surveillance and mosquito-control measures; residents should watch for fever and joint pain and seek medical care if symptoms develop.
Chikungunya is a mosquito‑borne virus (carried mainly by Aedes species) that causes fever, joint pain and fatigue; most people recover but some have long-lasting joint problems. Warmer temperatures expand the habitat and season for the transmitting mosquitoes, so climate-driven warming can raise the risk of local transmission in parts of Europe and increase the chance of outbreaks.
Public health focuses on preventing disease and protecting the health of whole populations through surveillance, policy, vaccination, health promotion and environmental measures (often called saúde pública). Training in public health prepares professionals to detect outbreaks, plan responses and reduce risks from threats like new infections or environmental hazards that affect communities in Portugal and abroad.
Mosquito season in Portugal runs roughly from April to October, peaking in the warmest months (July–September), which increases bite exposure and the chance of mosquito-borne infections. Locally transmitted cases are uncommon but possible — species like Culex can carry West Nile and the expanding Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) can transmit dengue or chikungunya — so residents should use repellents, keep windows/screens closed, remove standing water, and see a doctor for fever, rash or severe joint pain after mosquito bites.
Correio da Manhã and Observador report the Firefighters' League said it received inadequate notice about how services would operate during a strike by INEM staff, raising concerns about emergency coverage. The dispute involves the National Institute of Medical Emergency (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica or INEM) and the Firefighters' League (Liga dos Bombeiros). Residents in affected areas should monitor local emergency-service announcements until the dispute is resolved.
Update: Firefighters say strike notice on services insufficient
Both Correio da Manhã and Observador quote the Liga dos Bombeiros saying the notice about how services would be organised during the INEM action was inadequate, heightening worries about gaps in emergency coverage.
INEM (Instituto Nacional de Emergência Médica) is Portugal's national emergency medical service, responsible for coordinating and providing pre-hospital emergency care. It operates the country's emergency medical dispatch system, activated through the European emergency number 112.
INEM deploys ambulances (including basic and advanced life support units), medical helicopters (VMER), and motorcycle response units across Portugal. It also manages the CODU (Centro de Orientação de Doentes Urgentes) — the emergency call centers that triage incoming 112 calls and dispatch the appropriate medical response.
INEM has faced persistent challenges including ambulance shortages, staffing gaps (particularly among emergency medical technicians), and long response times in rural areas. These issues have made INEM a frequent subject of political debate, with calls for better funding, improved working conditions, and expanded coverage. Residents should know that calling 112 connects to INEM's triage system, and knowing your exact location speeds up emergency response.
The Portuguese Firefighters' League (Liga dos Bombeiros Portugueses) is a national, non-governmental association that represents and coordinates many of Portugal’s fire brigades—particularly volunteer corps—and advocates for training, equipment and fire-safety policy. It frequently engages with government and the media on emergency-response standards and resource needs, so expats should know it can influence local fire services, public safety campaigns and how mutual aid is organised in their municipality.
E-Redes reports roughly 11,000 customers in the areas hit by storm 'Kristin' were still without electricity as of 08:00, with the company urging caution and providing local updates. The figure covers affected localities and may change as crews restore lines and inspect damage. If you live in the affected areas, check E-Redes outage maps, follow local safety guidance and prepare for possible short-term supply interruptions. Homeowners with damage should document it for insurers and contact their electricity supplier.
Update: Público confirms 11,000 without electricity
Público reports the same E-Redes snapshot, saying about 11,000 customers remained without power in affected localities as of 08:00; restoration crews continue inspections and repair work.
E-Redes (formerly EDP Distribuição) is the company that operates Portugal's low- and medium-voltage electricity distribution network, serving over 99% of mainland Portugal. It is a subsidiary of EDP (Energias de Portugal), the country's largest energy utility.
E-Redes is responsible for maintaining power lines, substations, and transformers; connecting new customers and solar panels to the grid; reading meters; and restoring power after outages. It operates under a concession granted by the Portuguese government and is regulated by ERSE (Entidade Reguladora dos Serviços Energéticos).
During storms and extreme weather, E-Redes coordinates emergency repair crews to restore electricity supply. Residents can report outages and check restoration timelines through the E-Redes website or app. The company is also central to Portugal's energy transition, managing the integration of growing rooftop solar and electric vehicle charging into the distribution grid.
Storm Kristin was a named Atlantic storm that struck Portugal in late 2024, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds (gusts exceeding 100 km/h in some areas), and significant coastal wave action. The storm caused widespread flooding, roof collapses, fallen trees, and power outages across several districts.
IPMA issued orange and red warnings for affected regions, and ANEPC activated emergency response plans. The impact was particularly severe in flood-prone areas of the Lisbon metropolitan area and the Tagus and Mondego river basins, where drainage systems were overwhelmed.
Storm Kristin highlighted recurring vulnerabilities in Portugal's infrastructure during extreme weather events — including urban drainage capacity, riverbank management, and the need for updated emergency response coordination. Residents in storm-affected areas were advised to follow civil protection guidance, avoid coastal zones and riverbanks, and report damage through municipal services.
More than two weeks after Storm Kristin, parts of the Leiria region remain without power and recovery may take weeks or months, RTP reports. E-Redes and foreign teams, including technicians from Ireland, have been assisting local crews to restore supply; bad weather has slowed repairs in some areas. Residents still without electricity should follow municipal and E-Redes updates and plan for extended outages where repairs continue.
Update: Irish crews assisting; recovery may take months
RTP adds that recovery timelines remain long — potentially weeks or months — and that foreign technicians, including teams from Ireland who travelled long distances to help, continue to support E-Redes while bad weather hampers repairs.
E-Redes (formerly EDP Distribuição) is the company that operates Portugal's low- and medium-voltage electricity distribution network, serving over 99% of mainland Portugal. It is a subsidiary of EDP (Energias de Portugal), the country's largest energy utility.
E-Redes is responsible for maintaining power lines, substations, and transformers; connecting new customers and solar panels to the grid; reading meters; and restoring power after outages. It operates under a concession granted by the Portuguese government and is regulated by ERSE (Entidade Reguladora dos Serviços Energéticos).
During storms and extreme weather, E-Redes coordinates emergency repair crews to restore electricity supply. Residents can report outages and check restoration timelines through the E-Redes website or app. The company is also central to Portugal's energy transition, managing the integration of growing rooftop solar and electric vehicle charging into the distribution grid.
Storm Kristin was a named Atlantic storm that struck Portugal in late 2024, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds (gusts exceeding 100 km/h in some areas), and significant coastal wave action. The storm caused widespread flooding, roof collapses, fallen trees, and power outages across several districts.
IPMA issued orange and red warnings for affected regions, and ANEPC activated emergency response plans. The impact was particularly severe in flood-prone areas of the Lisbon metropolitan area and the Tagus and Mondego river basins, where drainage systems were overwhelmed.
Storm Kristin highlighted recurring vulnerabilities in Portugal's infrastructure during extreme weather events — including urban drainage capacity, riverbank management, and the need for updated emergency response coordination. Residents in storm-affected areas were advised to follow civil protection guidance, avoid coastal zones and riverbanks, and report damage through municipal services.
The Portuguese Insurance Association (APS) said more than 100,000 claims have been filed after the recent bad weather, with about half reported in the last week. APS added that roughly 75% of cases have already seen initial assessment, advance payments or partial/total settlements, while others await documentation. Policyholders seeking payouts should contact their insurer promptly and check what documentation is needed for fast processing.
Update: APS says half of claims filed in recent week
Dinheiro Vivo and Observador report APS data showing just over 100,000 claims were filed (with about 50% lodged in the most recent week) and that roughly 75% of cases have received some assessment, advance payment or settlement; outstanding files are mainly waiting for paperwork.
The Portuguese Insurance Association (Associação Portuguesa de Seguradores) is the industry trade body that represents insurers in Portugal, collects sector data and speaks with government and the media after major events. On 14 February 2026 it reported more than 100,000 claims from recent bad weather (about half reported in the previous week); policyholders should contact their insurer promptly and check their cover and claims process.
