Latest news and stories about government policy in finance in Lisboa, Portugal for expats and residents.
Observador reports that over the past decade foreign taxpayers in Portugal have become younger and increasingly receive family benefits, with concentrations now in the Lisbon, Faro and Setúbal districts. The shift affects benefit patterns and local public-service demand in those regions. Those advising immigrant households or working in local administrations should note the changing demographic and benefit profile.
Key events for Tuesday include a meeting on labour reform between Montenegro and Ventura, critical interest rate decisions from the Bank of Japan and the Fed, Eurostat labour data, the Portugal Capital Markets Day 2026, and updates on the insolvency of Sicasal.
PCP secretary-general Paulo Raimundo has urged Prime Minister Luís Montenegro to withdraw the government's labour package during the upcoming fortnightly debate, arguing it would be a significant service to the country.
The Portuguese government is set to approve the Single Social Benefit, a measure consolidating 13 welfare programs including the RSI, to meet Recovery and Resilience Plan requirements and secure 500 million euros in funding.
The UGT national secretariat convenes to discuss labour law reform, while the Assistant Secretary of State and Energy addresses Parliament on the Middle East conflict's economic impact, alongside the Public Finance Council's latest report.
This Wednesday features the ECO Festival's 10th-anniversary celebration, a parliamentary debate with the Prime Minister, the release of INE's April housing evaluation survey, and the publication of the financial stability report.
The UGT National Secretariat is set to reject the government's latest labour code proposal, citing insufficient progress and constitutional concerns, despite ongoing mediation efforts by President António José Seguro.
Minister of Labour Rosário Palma Ramalho has concluded negotiations on the labour package, confirming that a final version will be sent to the CGTP while the government awaits the UGT's definitive position on the proposed reforms.
The Minister of Labour reconvenes with the UGT and business confederations to resume labour law reform negotiations following an appeal from the President of the Republic to resolve the recent impasse.
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.
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Lisbon and Porto to protest against the government's proposed changes to the labour law, known as the 'Work XXI' reform. Led by the CGTP union, the protests highlighted concerns that the reforms would negatively impact workers' rights. CGTP's Secretary-General, Tiago Oliveira, called for the government to withdraw the labour package, emphasizing its detrimental effects on the workforce.
Portugal is seeking to enhance its appeal to Middle Eastern investors, particularly from Qatar, by shifting its marketing strategy beyond just its favorable climate. In Doha, representatives from Startup Portugal are engaging with local entrepreneurs to promote investment opportunities in the country.
Cascais City Council has exercised its right of first refusal to buy 32 plots near Quinta da Marinha for €30 million, blocking a sale the owner had negotiated with two private firms. The council approved a loan to finance the acquisition, raising issues about use of public funds to secure strategic, high-value land in one of the municipality’s most expensive areas and the implications for local planning and market dynamics.
Statement made before the meeting with Ventura at São Bento. Chega wants a reduction in the retirement age to approve the Government's reform. Also, the PCP's accusations against the Executive regarding storm relief.
The Prime Minister and the president of Chega met this afternoon to discuss labour law reform. André Ventura wants the PSU to proceed to the committee stage without a general vote.
André Ventura insists on his conditions: lowering the retirement age and setting a maximum value for pensions. Additionally, the client list of Spinumviva can be consulted in the Prime Minister's declaration of interests.
The President of the Republic congratulated the Minister of Finance today on his appointment as Vice-President of the Board of Governors of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, stating that it represents “a recognition of Portugal's role” in this institution.
Lisbon will host the annual meeting of the EBRD Board of Governors in 2029, the Government announced.
At the annual meeting of the Board of Governors of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Miranda Sarmento was appointed vice-president. The 2027 annual meeting will be held in Portugal.
The Minister of Finance was elected to a one-year term as vice-president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Lisbon will be the host city for the annual meeting of the board of governors in 2029.
The announcement was made by André Ventura during a press conference at the party's headquarters in Lisbon.
Chega will propose in Parliament that a worker may retire upon reaching 40 years of contributions or 65 years of age, and intends to set a maximum cap of 4,500 euros for the highest pensions. The announcement was made by the leader of Chega during a press conference at the party's headquarters in Lisbon. André Ventura...
The leader of Chega also proposes a maximum pension cap of 4,500 euros.
The President of the Republic argued today that the country needs a change in mentality that promotes trust, method and planning, and puts an end to the “culture of disorganisation”, with too much improvisation, and the “blame game” in politics.
Gonçalo Matias, Minister Assistant and for State Reform, used the stage at the CMVM annual conference this Wednesday in Lisbon to provide a surgical diagnosis of the country's structural delay in institutional reforms, even touching a nerve on several points. The conference, themed 'Innovation in Capital Markets', brought together...
The Mayor of Lisbon saw his income decrease upon joining the Government and being elected to the City Council. In Brussels, he doubled the value of his assets. He was the founder of two companies which he left in 2011.
The Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion said this Monday in Lisbon that he expects the decree-law regulating mandatory calamity insurance to be in force by next year. “I think the decree-law will be in force in 2027,” stated the Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, Manuel Castro Almeida, in Lisbon.
Finance Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmento expects Portugal to end the year with a near-zero budget balance, avoiding a deficit despite the costs of recent storms and geopolitical tensions. Speaking at an event for state-owned enterprise managers in Lisbon, he highlighted the country's solid fiscal trajectory and projected GDP growth of around 2%. The government also plans to simplify the state business sector to improve efficiency, transparency, and autonomy, while aiming to reduce public debt to below 80% by the end of the legislative term.
The president of the National Monitoring Committee for the PRR clarified today in Lisbon that many of the investments identified as being in a critical state have already undergone reprogramming.
The European Commissioner for Climate, present in Lisbon today, understands the discomfort regarding the 'exorbitant profits' of energy companies, but reaffirmed that the implementation of a windfall tax should be the responsibility of national governments rather than Brussels.
On the day the Prime Minister travels to Porto, where he meets with the mayors of Porto and Lisbon, the Bank of Portugal publishes its behavioural supervision report and the National Statistics Institute releases a survey on the financial situation of families for 2024. Also, Sonaecom presents its first-quarter results.
