Latest news and stories about in Lisbon, Lisboa, 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.
The Casa para Viver platform delivered an open letter to the President of the Republic at the Belém Palace (Palácio de Belém) calling for the housing crisis to be treated as a national emergency. The movement is demanding rent regulation, mortgage relief, and a veto on legislation that would accelerate evictions. Residents should note that nationwide protests are scheduled for March 21 in 14 different cities.
Belém is the presidential palace (Palácio de Belém), the official residence and workplace of Portugal's president; it has served as the presidential seat since 1911 and sits in the Belém district of Lisbon near the Tagus River. The incoming president will be sworn in there on 9 March, and those in Lisbon may see public events or media coverage around the palace during the inauguration.
The SOS Racismo movement has condemned the Chega party for displaying “anti-immigration propaganda” at the Futurália education fair in Lisbon. The party's stand, visited by leader André Ventura, featured posters comparing Portugal to Bangladesh and referencing the “Great Replacement” theory. Those attending the fair should note that the movement has called on the Ministry of Education to clarify the rules for political participation in events aimed at young people.
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.
André Ventura, born January 15, 1983, is a lawyer, academic, and Portugal's most prominent far-right leader. He founded Chega ("Enough") in 2019 after his PSD mayoral campaign attacked the Romani community. Chega surged from 1.3% in 2019 to 22.8% in May 2025, becoming parliament's second-largest party and making Ventura Leader of the Opposition.
His platform emphasizes immigration restrictions, law-and-order policies, constitutional reform, and contains inflammatory anti-Romani rhetoric that has triggered multiple discrimination convictions and investigations. Politically classified as far-right by international media, Ventura cultivates alliances with European far-right figures including Marine Le Pen and Santiago Abascal.
He announced his 2026 presidential candidacy, polling at 18% alongside independent Admiral Gouveia e Melo. His rise ended Portugal's 50-year resistance to far-right parties.
The Public Prosecution Service (Ministério Público) has archived an investigation into campaign posters by Chega leader André Ventura that targeted the Roma community and immigrants. Prosecutor Carlos Rodrigues concluded that while the messages might be subject to civil or administrative penalties, they do not constitute a crime of incitement to hatred under the Penal Code. The decision emphasizes that the posters are protected by political freedom of expression.
André Ventura, born January 15, 1983, is a lawyer, academic, and Portugal's most prominent far-right leader. He founded Chega ("Enough") in 2019 after his PSD mayoral campaign attacked the Romani community. Chega surged from 1.3% in 2019 to 22.8% in May 2025, becoming parliament's second-largest party and making Ventura Leader of the Opposition.
His platform emphasizes immigration restrictions, law-and-order policies, constitutional reform, and contains inflammatory anti-Romani rhetoric that has triggered multiple discrimination convictions and investigations. Politically classified as far-right by international media, Ventura cultivates alliances with European far-right figures including Marine Le Pen and Santiago Abascal.
He announced his 2026 presidential candidacy, polling at 18% alongside independent Admiral Gouveia e Melo. His rise ended Portugal's 50-year resistance to far-right parties.
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 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.
The Public Prosecutor's Office (Ministério Público) is the independent body that leads criminal investigations and represents the state in court. It gets involved in cases like a long-delayed INEM response because it can order autopsies, investigate potential criminal negligence or procedural failures, and decide whether to bring charges or recommend disciplinary action.
Infrastructure limitations at Lisbon airport (Aeroporto de Lisboa) have resulted in 12% of requested flight slots for the summer season going unfulfilled. The National Air Navigation (Navegação Aérea de Portugal or NAV) warned that these capacity constraints are penalizing the tourism sector. Travelers should note that the lack of slots may limit flight options and keep ticket prices high during the peak season.
NAV Portugal (Navegação Aérea de Portugal) is the state-owned authority responsible for air traffic control and management in Portuguese airspace. It manages flight slots at major airports like Lisbon, where current infrastructure limits prevented the approval of 12% of requested slots for the upcoming summer season. Travelers should note that these capacity constraints frequently contribute to delays during peak periods.
Judge Susana Seca has ruled that lawyer Marco António Amarote must continue representing José Sócrates until a successor is appointed, preventing further delays in the Operation Marquês corruption trial.
The last meeting ended without an agreement and with mutual accusations of intransigence.
Update: Government schedules fresh labour law talks for Monday
Minister of Labour Rosário Palma Ramalho has summoned the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (União Geral de Trabalhadores or UGT) and business leaders to a meeting on Monday, March 16. The government aims to exhaust all possibilities for an agreement rather than prolonging the discussion indefinitely.
Rosário Palma Ramalho is Portugal’s Minister of Labour, responsible for labour policy, workplace regulation and negotiations with trade unions. Her statements today about the CGTP withdrawing from labour reform talks matter because they affect negotiation dynamics and can influence strikes or demonstrations that may disrupt public services and workplaces.
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.
Low-cost bus operator Flixbus is accusing the Rede Nacional de Expressos (RNE) of violating the law by blocking its access to the Sete Rios bus terminal in Lisbon. Flixbus claims a recent court ruling grants them immediate entry, while RNE argues the decision allows them to evaluate requests on a case-by-case basis. Travelers should be aware that the Liberal Initiative (Iniciativa Liberal) has proposed new legislation to prevent bus operators from managing terminals used by their competitors.
Iniciativa Liberal and João Cotrim de Figueiredo tend to draw support from urban, economically liberal voters — often professionals, entrepreneurs and higher‑income residents in cities like Lisbon and Porto — who prioritise lower taxes, deregulation and individual freedoms. The party also attracts some younger voters and expatriates who favour pro‑market policies and a smaller state role.
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.
António José Seguro was sworn in this Monday as President of the Republic, replacing Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at the Belém Palace. To close the day, the head of state decorated his predecessor.
Former Economy Minister Manuel Pinho has appealed to the Supreme Court of Justice (Supremo Tribunal de Justiça) against his 10-year prison sentence for corruption, money laundering, and tax fraud. Pinho was convicted in 2024 for allegedly receiving illegal payments from former banker Ricardo Salgado during his time in government. The appeal cites procedural flaws and statute of limitations issues, with the defense requesting either a full acquittal or a reduced sentence of seven and a half years. Residents following the long-running EDP case should note that the former minister remains under house arrest while the high court reviews the case.
Ricardo Salgado is the former chairman and CEO of Banco Espírito Santo (BES), the bank that collapsed in 2014 and triggered one of Portugal’s largest financial scandals. He has faced multiple criminal charges including fraud and money laundering, and recent appeal-court rulings ordering a new trial—despite reports about his Alzheimer’s—are important for anyone following accountability in Portugal’s banking sector.
Manuel Pinho is a former Portuguese Minister of Economy who served from 2005 to 2009 under the Socialist Party (Partido Socialista) government. In June 2024, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for passive corruption, money laundering, and tax fraud related to undeclared payments from the Espírito Santo Group (Grupo Espírito Santo). His case is one of several high-profile legal proceedings involving former government officials and the collapse of the Banco Espírito Santo banking empire.
Mafalda Guerra, a Chega activist, was dismissed following an RTP investigation that uncovered her properties being utilized as illegal housing for immigrants in Lisbon. The report raised significant concerns regarding the legality of the rentals and the implications for immigrant communities.
A Chega activist has been dismissed from her position at Lisbon City Hall's Social Services following investigations into her clandestine rental properties and allegations of unauthorized legal practice. The dismissal comes amid a controversy involving the activist's connections to the Chega party and her role in a split between party councillors. The Public Prosecutor's Office is looking into her activities, which include renting out substandard housing to illegal immigrants.
Chega plans to propose the reinstatement of zero VAT on essential goods, a measure they aim to limit until the end of the year. Additionally, the party is advocating for further government action to reduce fuel taxes.
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.
More than a hundred people demonstrated in downtown Lisbon, organized by CGTP, to demand gender equality and oppose a labor package perceived to worsen women's working conditions. The protest featured slogans advocating for equal pay and rights, with participants highlighting ongoing disparities in the workplace. CGTP leaders emphasized the need for legislative changes to uphold constitutional rights for women, especially in light of the upcoming International Women's Day.
Service on the Red Line of the Lisbon Metro was restored around 16:45 on Friday, March 6, after a fire caused a disruption for about two hours. The fire was detected between Oriente and Moscavide near a ventilation shaft, with firefighters confirming that only smoke was present and no flames were involved. The incident began at 14:59 due to a pile of rubbish burning near the ventilation entrance, prompting the deployment of sixteen firefighters for ventilation efforts. The Metro had warned that the interruption could be prolonged due to unforeseen circumstances.
A military flight carrying 39 passengers, including 24 Portuguese nationals, has successfully arrived in Lisbon as part of efforts to evacuate citizens amid the ongoing conflict in Iran. In response to the situation, Portugal is contemplating a new repatriation flight from Saudi Arabia to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad.
The new rector of Nova University of Lisbon, Paulo Pereira, has dismissed concerns regarding a potential reduction in faculty autonomy, labeling them as “completely unfounded” in a recent interview. He emphasized the need for improved cohesion among the university's various organic units, acknowledging that there is significant work to be done in fostering a more unified culture within the institution.
A recent decree from the rector of Universidade Nova de Lisboa has mandated that all faculties must have names in Portuguese, leading to significant controversy and discussions about the potential separation of the School of Business and Economics (SBE). Critics argue that SBE would lose more than it would gain from such a separation, highlighting the complexities of institutional identity and language policy in higher education.
European stock markets and the euro are experiencing declines as oil prices surge due to escalating conflict in the Middle East, particularly in Iran. US oil prices rose by 8% to $72.40 per barrel, while Brent crude increased by 8.8% to $79.30 per barrel. Natural gas futures in Europe saw a significant rise of over 40% following a production halt by Qatar. Gold prices also increased by 1.2% as investors sought safer assets amid uncertainty. Wall Street opened lower, with the Dow Jones down 0.70%, the Nasdaq down 0.58%, and the S&P 500 down 1.09%. In Europe, while the Lisbon stock exchange remained relatively stable, major markets like Madrid, Frankfurt, Paris, and London faced notable declines. The euro fell to $1.1703, down from $1.1817, and also weakened against the pound and yen.
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.
Brisa has reported that the landslide on the A5 motorway was caused by an abnormal volume of water due to recent storms, leading to soil instability and debris on the road. A technical analysis to determine a solution is expected to be completed next week. The president of Brisa announced that the company will not seek compensation from the Portuguese state for the landslide on the A1 near Coimbra, despite estimated losses exceeding three million euros. The storms have caused significant damage across the country, including fatalities and destruction of infrastructure.
The article critiques Carlos Moedas for his political maneuvers, particularly his secretive agreement with the far-right party Chega, which contradicts his public image as a reformist. It highlights the lack of transparency in his dealings and the implications for his governance in Lisbon, emphasizing that he can no longer blame external factors for inaction. The piece calls for Moedas to focus on effective governance rather than personal political ambitions, as he now holds a majority that was not directly granted by the electorate.
The planned Luís de Camões airport is situated on flood-prone land along the Tagus River, raising concerns about its viability and safety. The site is the most expensive option, potentially costing the state between 25 billion and 35 billion euros. Recent storms have highlighted the risks associated with this location, prompting experts like Paulino Pereira to suggest relocating the airport to safer areas such as Rio Frio, Montijo, or Alcochete. Engineering solutions to mitigate flooding risks would require significant earth movement, making the project even more costly and complicating access routes, which are also vulnerable to flooding.
Portugal has emerged as a prime destination for luxury real estate investment, attracting global capital due to its historical beauty, quality of life, and high appreciation potential. The luxury market is evolving with new firms entering the scene and a focus on branded residences, which are becoming key investment areas. Despite criticisms regarding property sizes and finishes, developers are adapting to meet the demands of discerning clients. The integration of architecture with cultural expression and artistic value is becoming essential, as investors seek homes that serve as both solid assets and reflections of personal identity.
The Quartel da Graça, a historic monument in Lisbon, has not undergone the promised rehabilitation to transform it into a hotel, raising concerns about its future and the need for public debate on its use. Originally part of the Revive Programme, the site has been abandoned since the concession contract was signed in 2019, with no progress made towards the scheduled hotel opening. This situation highlights the tension between private development and public needs, particularly in a city facing housing shortages. Calls for a public consultation aim to explore alternative uses for the space, such as community facilities or housing, while ensuring that any solutions respect legal rights and investment requirements.
The Lisbon City Council has cancelled 40% of local accommodations due to inactivity, marking a significant move in the city's management of 'ghost' AL licenses. This week's highlights also include insights from César Araújo on the influx of Asian products into Europe, discussions on the PRR, and advancements in Quantum Computing. Other topics cover the unpredictability of European funds and TAP's potential role within the Air France/KLM group.
