Legal: Social security news in Portugal

Social Security (Segurança Social) has ordered the immediate closure of an illegal nursery in Amadora that was operating with 50 children. Authorities cited severe overcrowding and determined that the facility posed an imminent risk to the health and safety of the minors involved.

The Social Security Institute (Instituto da Segurança Social or ISS) has suspended disability pension payments to 182 beneficiaries following an audit and a criminal investigation in Benavente. Authorities suspect a fraudulent scheme involving medical professionals who allegedly validated false disability claims, potentially saving the state 18.5 million euros. The Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) has launched an operation into the case, which reportedly involves several doctors.

The leader of the Chega party, André Ventura, announced that the party will request a review of the constitutionality of the Single Social Benefit (Prestação Social Única or PSU). The party argues that requiring individuals with high levels of disability due to illness, such as cancer patients, to perform social work in exchange for benefits is unconstitutional.

The European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) Portugal has expressed concern that requiring recipients of the Single Social Benefit (Prestação Social Única or PSU) to perform social work could increase stigma against the poor. The network argues that linking benefits to mandatory activities may unfairly penalize those in situations of economic vulnerability.

The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the Russian ambassador in Lisbon to demand explanations following a drone strike in Galati, Romania. The attack, which hit a residential building near the Ukrainian border and left two people injured, has been condemned by the government as a serious incident affecting North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) territory.

The Inspectorate-General of Health Activities (Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde or IGAS) is investigating a doctor from Benavente suspected of charging 1,000 euros to facilitate fraudulent disability pensions. Beneficiaries of the scheme may face criminal charges and be required to return funds received improperly from the state.

The Permanent Coordinating Commission (CCP), representing major security force unions including the Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP) and the National Republican Guard (Guarda Nacional Republicana or GNR), has announced a national protest for April 16. The demonstration will take place in front of the Prime Minister's residence in Lisbon to oppose legislative changes since 2005 that have reduced pension values for security personnel.

The Public Prosecution Service (Ministério Público) has charged 15 individuals and six companies for running a network that facilitated illegal immigration. The group allegedly created fraudulent Social Security (Segurança Social) records to help over 2,000 foreign citizens obtain work visas and residency. Those awaiting residency should ensure their documentation is handled by reputable legal professionals to avoid involvement in such schemes.