Latest news and stories about government policy in Portugal for expats and residents.
The Minister of Labour meets again today with the UGT and the four business confederations regarding changes to labour law, following the appeal made by the President of the Republic after the 'rupture' announced by the employers.
Negotiations for the labour law (lei laboral) revision resume today between the government, employer confederations, and the General Workers' Union (União Geral de Trabalhadores or UGT). Prime Minister Luís Montenegro stated that over 70 norms have been agreed upon, though key disagreements remain over the individual bank of hours (banco de horas) and rules regarding unlawful dismissal. Workers should note that the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (Confederação Geral dos Trabalhadores Portugueses or CGTP) plans to attend despite not being officially invited.
The General Union of Workers (UGT – União Geral de Trabalhadores) is one of Portugal’s two main national trade union confederations. Founded in Lisbon on 28 October 1978, it was created as a social‑democratic alternative to the more communist‑aligned CGTP after the 1974 Revolution, grouping unions close to the Socialist Party and moderate centre‑right currents.
UGT represents around 400,000 workers and is affiliated to the European Trade Union Confederation and International Trade Union Confederation, giving Portuguese labour a voice at EU and global level. Its principles stress union independence from the state, employers, churches and parties, internal democracy and active worker participation.
Historically, UGT’s hallmark has been “propositive” social dialogue: it is usually more willing than CGTP to sign tripartite agreements on wages, labour law and social policy with governments and employers, shaping minimum wage increases, working‑time rules and social protection reforms. This makes UGT a key centrist actor in Portugal’s industrial relations, often mediating between left and right while defending collective bargaining and incremental improvements to labour rights.
The CGTP study is a report published by the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (Confederação Geral dos Trabalhadores Portugueses), Portugal's largest trade-union centre. Such studies typically analyse pay, working conditions and public-sector cuts and are used by unions to justify strike actions and policy demands.
Luís Filipe Montenegro Cardoso de Morais Esteves (born February 16, 1973, in Porto) is a Portuguese lawyer and center‑right politician who has served as Prime Minister of Portugal since April 2, 2024. A long‑time member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), he is the leading figure of the post‑Troika generation of Portuguese conservatives. Montenegro was elected to the Assembly of the Republic in 2002 for the Aveiro district and remained an MP for 16 years, becoming PSD parliamentary leader from 2011 to 2017 during the bailout and austerity period under Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho. He was a prominent defender of strict austerity measures, arguing in 2014 that “the life of the people is no better, but the life of the country is a lot better,” a phrase that has followed his public image since. After an unsuccessful leadership bid against Rui Rio in 2020, Montenegro won the PSD leadership in 2022. He then forged the centre‑right Democratic Alliance (PSD–CDS‑PP and allies), which won a plurality of seats in the 2024 legislative election. Refusing to partner with the far‑right Chega, which he has called “often xenophobic, racist, populist and excessively demagogic,” he formed a minority government as head of the XXIV Constitutional Government on April 2, 2024. His first government fell in March 2025 after a no‑confidence vote linked to a conflict‑of‑interest affair, but fresh elections saw the Democratic Alliance increase its seat share, allowing Montenegro to return as prime minister leading the XXV Constitutional Government. His importance to Portugal lies in attempting to re‑center the traditional centre‑right after the crisis years, defending liberal‑conservative economics and EU alignment while drawing a sharp line against formal cooperation with the radical right, thus shaping how Portuguese democracy manages its new multi‑party era.
The new President of the Republic (Presidente da República) António José Seguro emphasized the need for political stability during his inauguration, though he noted it must serve to improve living conditions. The government expects the new president to help mediate upcoming negotiations regarding labor policies between Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and opposition parties. Residents should note that the president's speech focused on the transitoriness of power and the importance of democratic institutions.
Background:
António José Martins Seguro (born March 11, 1962, in Penamacor) is a lawyer, political scientist, and Socialist Party politician running for president in Portugal's January 18, 2026 election. 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 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. Political Philosophy:
Seguro positions himself as representing a "modern and moderate" left, offering a progressive alternative to conservative candidates. He advocates for "financial responsibility but critical of austerity," attempting to reposition the PS at center-left. His campaign emphasizes institutional trust, efficient governance, and hope for a better future.
Luís Filipe Montenegro Cardoso de Morais Esteves (born February 16, 1973, in Porto) is a Portuguese lawyer and center‑right politician who has served as Prime Minister of Portugal since April 2, 2024. A long‑time member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), he is the leading figure of the post‑Troika generation of Portuguese conservatives. Montenegro was elected to the Assembly of the Republic in 2002 for the Aveiro district and remained an MP for 16 years, becoming PSD parliamentary leader from 2011 to 2017 during the bailout and austerity period under Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho. He was a prominent defender of strict austerity measures, arguing in 2014 that “the life of the people is no better, but the life of the country is a lot better,” a phrase that has followed his public image since. After an unsuccessful leadership bid against Rui Rio in 2020, Montenegro won the PSD leadership in 2022. He then forged the centre‑right Democratic Alliance (PSD–CDS‑PP and allies), which won a plurality of seats in the 2024 legislative election. Refusing to partner with the far‑right Chega, which he has called “often xenophobic, racist, populist and excessively demagogic,” he formed a minority government as head of the XXIV Constitutional Government on April 2, 2024. His first government fell in March 2025 after a no‑confidence vote linked to a conflict‑of‑interest affair, but fresh elections saw the Democratic Alliance increase its seat share, allowing Montenegro to return as prime minister leading the XXV Constitutional Government. His importance to Portugal lies in attempting to re‑center the traditional centre‑right after the crisis years, defending liberal‑conservative economics and EU alignment while drawing a sharp line against formal cooperation with the radical right, thus shaping how Portuguese democracy manages its new multi‑party era.
The CGTP trade union federation plans to attend a government meeting on labour law reforms despite not receiving an invitation, asserting its constitutional right to participate in the legislative process.
CDS-PP and Chega have introduced bills to restrict the display of flags on public buildings, proposing that only national, European Union, and official institutional flags be permitted.
European Council President António Costa has invited UN Secretary-General António Guterres to attend next week’s EU leaders' summit. The meeting will focus on the war in Iran and its global economic repercussions, alongside European competitiveness. This marks a high-profile collaboration between the two former Portuguese prime ministers on the international stage. Residents should note that the summit's outcomes may influence future EU economic policy and energy security.
António Luís Santos da Costa (born July 17, 1961, in Lisbon) is a Portuguese lawyer and Socialist politician who served as Prime Minister of Portugal from 2015-2024 and currently serves as President of the European Council since December 1, 2024. After leading the Lisbon Municipal Assembly and practicing law, he was elected MEP (2004-2005) and entered parliament in 2002. He led the Socialist Party from 2014-2024, building unprecedented parliamentary coalitions with the Communist Party and Left Bloc (2015-2019) before winning an absolute majority in 2022. He resigned as PM in November 2023 following a corruption investigation, though subsequently cleared. The 27 EU member states elected him Council President in June 2024, making him the fourth full-time President and the first southern European socialist in that role.
Political Philosophy:
Costa represents moderate European social democracy, combining orthodox fiscal responsibility with progressive social investment. He prioritizes European integration, consensus-building, and pragmatic compromise over ideological confrontation. As Council President, he champions mediation between member states, improved EU inter-institutional relations, shorter decision-making processes, and regular visits to every EU capital to reconnect citizens with European institutions. His approach emphasizes "creative bridges" reconciling divergent interests while maintaining firmness on European values, particularly regarding Ukraine.
António Guterres is the Secretary-General of the United Nations and served as the Prime Minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002. A member of the Socialist Party (Partido Socialista), he also led the UN Refugee Agency for a decade before taking the top UN post in 2017. Those living in Portugal should note that he remains a highly respected figure whose international influence often brings global attention to Portuguese diplomatic priorities.
The President of the Court of Auditors (Tribunal de Contas) has called for a rigorous debate over government plans to reform the institution. A major point of contention is the proposed end of prior approval (visto prévio) for certain public contracts, which critics say is essential for financial sustainability. Former officials warn that weakening the court's oversight could undermine the state's ability to analyze complex private-sector contracts. Residents should note that these changes aim to speed up public procurement but face significant institutional pushback.
The Court of Auditors (Tribunal de Contas) is Portugal’s independent public audit body that inspects and approves the accounts of state entities, public companies and other bodies that use public funds. Its rejection of an organisation’s accounts signals serious financial irregularities and can lead to recoveries, fines or political fallout, so taxpayers and public-sector contractors should pay attention.
The government has approved a 4.3 million euro expenditure to equip police forces with 1,500 new tasers this year. The non-lethal electric weapons will be distributed between the Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP) and the National Republican Guard (Guarda Nacional Republicana or GNR). The Ministry of Internal Administration (Ministério da Administração Interna) stated the move aims to improve operational effectiveness and safety for officers. Residents should note that the rollout is planned for 2026.
The PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública) is Portugal's national civilian police force, founded in 1867. Responsible for defending Republican democracy and safeguarding internal security and citizens' rights, the PSP polices major cities—Lisbon, Porto, Faro—and large urban areas, covering only 4% of Portugal's territory but roughly half the population. Led by a National Director under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, its approximately 21,500 officers handle preventive policing, crime investigation, public order, airport security, diplomatic protection, private security regulation, firearms licensing, and border control (since 2023).
PSP vs. GNR: The PSP is civilian with police-focused training and urban jurisdiction, while the GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana) is military (gendarmerie) with military training, covering 96% of Portugal's rural and suburban territory. Both share core public safety missions but differ fundamentally in nature, training, and geographic responsibility.
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 National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (Associação Nacional de Municípios Portugueses or ANMP) has rejected claims by Minister of Territorial Cohesion Manuel Castro Almeida, who blamed local councils for delays in housing reconstruction support. Mayors from heavily affected areas like Leiria and Alcácer do Sal argue the government has not yet provided the necessary funds for distribution. Residents awaiting storm repair subsidies should note that the dispute centers on whether local or central authorities are responsible for the slow validation of applications.
Manuel Castro Almeida is Portugal's Minister of Economy and Social Cohesion, a role cited in the article. On 17 February in Sobral de Monte Agraço he said over 4,000 companies had requested storm support totaling nearly €1 billion, figures tied to recent severe weather damage.
The National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (Associação Nacional de Municípios Portugueses or ANMP) is the umbrella group that represents Portugal’s 308 municipalities in talks with the central government. It negotiates funding, shared services and decentralisation plans—for example, it has been involved in the recent agreement to create a commission and a fund to transfer about 4,000 kilometres of roads to municipal control—so local services and road maintenance may shift to town councils that residents deal with directly.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro faces criticism over his labour reform agenda, with commentators suggesting the government is distancing itself from a potentially failing policy while Montenegro defends his commitment to action-oriented reform.
Workers' committees from the national broadcaster RTP and the news agency Lusa have issued a joint statement expressing concern over the government's lack of transparency regarding future media policies. The groups are protesting potential consolidation and changes to Lusa's statutes, which they fear could lead to political interference. The Ministry of the Presidency has defended the changes, claiming they will make the agency more professional and less dependent on the government.
RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal) is Portugal's state-owned public service broadcaster, operating since 1935 (radio) and 1957 (television). It runs 8 television channels (including RTP1, RTP2, RTP3) and 7 radio stations (Antena 1, 2, 3), plus international services reaching Portuguese diaspora worldwide. Funded by a broadcasting tax on electricity bills and advertising revenue, RTP serves as Portugal's cultural reference, providing quality news, education, and entertainment. Its archive represents "irreplaceable heritage in Portuguese collective memory", and it pioneered online streaming with RTP Play in 2011. RTP connects "Portugal and the Portuguese to themselves, to each other, and to the world"
The government is amending the statutes of Lusa, Portugal's national news agency, to make the organization more professional and less influenced by political shifts. It is the primary source for breaking news and official reports, providing content to media outlets across the country. Those following local news should note that Lusa is often the first to report on government announcements and legislative changes.
Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro has pledged to strengthen the independence of the national news agency, Agência Lusa. Amaro stated the government wants to move away from past eras where the state exerted too much control over editorial content. Residents should note that the government aims to comply with the European Media Freedom Act to ensure a more robust and transparent media environment.
President António José Seguro concluded his two-day inauguration program with visits to Arganil, Guimarães, and Porto. He pressured the government for more action and fewer words regarding aid for wildfire victims in the interior (interior). The tour emphasized territorial cohesion (coesão territorial) and a commitment to a country where every region counts. Residents should note that the President's first official tour will focus on the central region.
Background:
António José Martins Seguro (born March 11, 1962, in Penamacor) is a lawyer, political scientist, and Socialist Party politician running for president in Portugal's January 18, 2026 election. 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 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. Political Philosophy:
Seguro positions himself as representing a "modern and moderate" left, offering a progressive alternative to conservative candidates. He advocates for "financial responsibility but critical of austerity," attempting to reposition the PS at center-left. His campaign emphasizes institutional trust, efficient governance, and hope for a better future.
Former Vice-Prime Minister Paulo Portas addressed the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD) conference, calling for policy consistency in a “volatile and dangerous” world. Portas argued that increasing productivity (produtividade) is the only sustainable way to improve average wages in Portugal. Those living in Portugal should note that Prime Minister Luís Montenegro attended the session to hear the veteran politician's views on demographic decline.
Paulo Portas is a Portuguese politician and the former leader of the CDS–PP (Centro Democrático e Social – Partido Popular). He often appears in media commentary—according to the story he used his weekly TVI slot to announce he will vote for António José Seguro in the presidential run-off.
Luís Filipe Montenegro Cardoso de Morais Esteves (born February 16, 1973, in Porto) is a Portuguese lawyer and center‑right politician who has served as Prime Minister of Portugal since April 2, 2024. A long‑time member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), he is the leading figure of the post‑Troika generation of Portuguese conservatives. Montenegro was elected to the Assembly of the Republic in 2002 for the Aveiro district and remained an MP for 16 years, becoming PSD parliamentary leader from 2011 to 2017 during the bailout and austerity period under Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho. He was a prominent defender of strict austerity measures, arguing in 2014 that “the life of the people is no better, but the life of the country is a lot better,” a phrase that has followed his public image since. After an unsuccessful leadership bid against Rui Rio in 2020, Montenegro won the PSD leadership in 2022. He then forged the centre‑right Democratic Alliance (PSD–CDS‑PP and allies), which won a plurality of seats in the 2024 legislative election. Refusing to partner with the far‑right Chega, which he has called “often xenophobic, racist, populist and excessively demagogic,” he formed a minority government as head of the XXIV Constitutional Government on April 2, 2024. His first government fell in March 2025 after a no‑confidence vote linked to a conflict‑of‑interest affair, but fresh elections saw the Democratic Alliance increase its seat share, allowing Montenegro to return as prime minister leading the XXV Constitutional Government. His importance to Portugal lies in attempting to re‑center the traditional centre‑right after the crisis years, defending liberal‑conservative economics and EU alignment while drawing a sharp line against formal cooperation with the radical right, thus shaping how Portuguese democracy manages its new multi‑party era.
Hugo Soares, the parliamentary leader of the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD), has defended the government’s approach to immigration as a “quiet change” that avoids ideological extremes. Soares challenged the Socialist Party (Partido Socialista) and Chega to reach a consensus on revisions to the Nationality Law (Lei da Nacionalidade). Visa holders should note that the government aims to position itself in the “moderate centre” while tightening certain regulations.
Hugo Soares is the PSD parliamentary leader, as noted during a recent biweekly debate. He warned the PSD will pursue all available measures if it believes an amendment to the lay-off decree-law approved by the opposition violates the law, which matters for workers and employers following labour-rule changes.
Rui Rio is a centre‑right politician who served as mayor of Porto from 2002 to 2013 and led the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata) from 2018 to 2022. Known for moderate and fiscally cautious positions, he remains an influential voice in PSD debates and national politics, so journalists and party members often cite his views.
Chega ("Enough") is a Portuguese far-right populist party founded in 2019 by André Ventura. It positions itself as an anti-establishment movement against what it calls a "rotten and corrupt system" of PS-PSD dominance. The party surged from 1.3% in 2019 to 22.8% in May 2025, becoming parliament's second-largest force with 60 seats. Chega's core platform emphasizes strict immigration control—ending automatic CPLP residency, deporting non-independent immigrants, implementing job-market quotas, and requiring five-year social security contributions before benefit access. It advocates radical constitutional reform, including reducing parliament to 100 members, abolishing the prime minister position for a presidential system, and dismantling public healthcare. Law-and-order policies include life imprisonment and chemical castration proposals.
The party is defined by inflammatory anti-Romani rhetoric, with Ventura convicted multiple times for discrimination. Chega maintains international alignments with European far-right figures including Marine Le Pen, Santiago Abascal, and Matteo Salvini. Mainstream Portuguese parties, including Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's government, have imposed a cordon sanitaire, refusing coalition with Chega despite its parliamentary strength.
The new President took office in Belém, emphasizing the need for national stability while highlighting critical challenges including an ageing population, healthcare and housing deficits, and a slow judicial system.
Bruno Pereira argues that integrating civilian staff into the PSP could free up over 2,500 officers for operational roles and generate significant annual savings.
PS leader José Luís Carneiro criticises the Government for a lack of democratic humility following the collapse of negotiations regarding new labour legislation.
António José Seguro has officially taken office as the 21st President of the Portuguese Republic, succeeding Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who was honored with the Grand Collar of the Order of Liberty on his final day.
In 2025, infant mortality rates in Portugal have stabilized, yet certain municipalities exhibit alarming statistics that resemble those found in poorer countries. This raises concerns about healthcare policies and public safety measures in these areas.
The article discusses how a political power that merely manages the status quo without pursuing transformative changes fails to fulfill its fundamental responsibilities. It critiques the lack of courage in political decision-making and emphasizes the need for active engagement in reforming policies for the betterment of society.
André Ventura, leader of Chega, faced defeat in the presidential elections against António José Seguro, who garnered over 33% of the votes. This result positions Ventura as a significant figure on the right, raising questions about his next steps and the potential for reform within the political landscape.
António José Seguro, set to assume the presidency, prioritizes health in his first year and has indicated he will veto any labor legislation changes proposed by the government if they lack consensus in Social Concertation.
The Government currently perceives the rise in fuel prices as a significant but potentially temporary issue, despite immediate impacts on consumers. An editorial by Marta Moitinho Oliveira discusses the rush of drivers to petrol stations in anticipation of price hikes due to geopolitical tensions, particularly American attacks in Iran. While the government has implemented a discount to mitigate the increase in diesel prices, consumers will still face higher costs for petrol. The situation has led to record high fuel prices in Portugal, raising concerns among the public.
Leader of Chega, Ventura, has called on the Government to return the additional VAT revenue generated from the recent rise in fuel prices, emphasizing the need to differentiate between individuals and businesses. He criticized the Government's response to the fuel price crisis, particularly the insufficient discount on road diesel, and plans to push for an urgent debate in the Assembly of the Republic.
António Barreto discusses the potential for an impending political crisis, emphasizing the uncertainty of its timing and the underlying reasons that may lead to such a situation.
This article discusses how consumers can save money on their electricity bills by utilizing simulations provided by the energy regulator. It emphasizes the importance of understanding energy costs and exploring available options to reduce expenses.
Fuel prices are set to rise sharply due to the ongoing war in the Persian Gulf, with diesel expected to increase by 19.5 cents and petrol by 8 cents per litre on Monday. The rise in Brent prices, driven by the coordinated attack by the United States and Israel on Iran, has quickly impacted petrol stations in Portugal. Diesel is seeing a larger increase compared to petrol, prompting oil companies to boost stocks at service stations in anticipation of a surge in demand before the price hikes take effect.
The Government is forming a working group to create guidelines for schools to prohibit activities that contradict educational values, following incidents where 79 public schools hosted digital influencers promoting sexual and misogynistic content. This initiative, outlined by the Ministry of Education and Citizenship (MECI), aims to enhance control over external activities in schools and ensure they align with the mission of promoting democratic citizenship, equity, and inclusion. The group will analyze the legal framework regarding external entities in schools and provide clarity on acceptable activities, with a final report due by March 31.
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 Ministry of Labour is currently negotiating with employers and unions to find an alternative to the turnover tax aimed at combating labour precariousness. This tax has not been implemented due to regulatory issues. An official from the Ministry confirmed that discussions are ongoing to address this matter.
The European Budgetary Council has suggested that Portugal should diverge from the European Commission's recommended spending path, indicating a potential need for a revised budget. The anticipated safety margin in the approved budgets could be around 2 billion euros, which has previously allowed governments to avoid budget revisions. Additionally, the Ministry of Finance is tightening budgetary controls for the 2027 State Budget, requiring public entities to prepare for expenditure reservations that could reach 7.5% of tax-funded spending, marking a significant increase in fiscal oversight.
