GNR arrests 66 for drink-driving during Lisbon festivities
During a special road safety operation surrounding the Santos Populares festivities in Lisbon, the National Republican Guard (Guarda Nacional Republicana or GNR) arrested 66 drivers for operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol. Officers inspected approximately 3,000 vehicles, detecting a total of 264 drivers with excess blood alcohol levels. The operation, which involved 164 officers, took place over four hours in the early hours of Sunday.
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.
The Santos Populares (Popular Saints) are a series of traditional festivals held throughout Portugal in June to honor Catholic saints, most notably Saint Anthony in Lisbon. These celebrations feature street parties, music, dancing, and the consumption of grilled sardines, often leading to increased traffic and police presence across major cities.
