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.
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.
Imagine a diabetic. You don't need to imagine much, just take a peek at the Sunday lunch table. The diabetic knows they cannot eat everything. They can eat a bit of bread. They can also, very sparingly, take a look at dessert. They cannot, under any circumstances, bury their face in the Abade de Priscos pudding as if...
The government exchanges the former Ministry of Education headquarters with the Open University and uses 5.3 million euros from the operation to build university residences.
Dozens of houses destroyed by the February storms in Arruda dos Vinhos will begin to be assessed by technicians from the National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC). The City Council intends to consult with banking institutions to secure funds for necessary repairs.
The Casa Para Viver platform, which unites dozens of collectives advocating for housing rights, is organizing a protest in Lisbon this Saturday to oppose recent government measures. Critics argue that policies such as facilitating the sale of undivided inheritances and easing eviction processes for non-payment will exacerbate the housing crisis rather than solve it. Representative Rita Silva warns that these initiatives treat housing as a financial asset, worsening access for those in need and contributing to a rise in homelessness and precarious living conditions. The platform is calling for emergency measures, including a suspension of evictions and the implementation of rent regulations to curb speculative practices.
Increasing housing supply and facilitating access through direct support or tax incentives were the goals set by the AD government when it presented its 'Construir Portugal' strategy in May 2024. Nearly two years later, the measures have not been able to stem the continuous rise in house prices, which climbed nearly 18% in the third quarter of 2025 year-on-year. The average price per square metre nationwide reached 3,000 euros, rising to 4,500 euros in Lisbon, which is a major source of dissatisfaction for the Portuguese people. Repeatedly breaking records, real estate inflation has been the combined effect of a deficit in new construction and available properties, a very rapid and constant increase in demand—driven by tourism, immigration, digital nomads, and golden visas—and a lack of units on the market at controlled prices. To address the supply shortage, the government aims to accelerate the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) to build 25,000 homes and finally release public buildings for affordable housing. Another change involves revising the Land Law to allow rustic land to be used for sustainable housing, such as affordable rentals or controlled-cost housing. More disruptive measures include support for young people and the middle class to buy homes, such as IMT and Stamp Duty exemptions for those under 35 buying their first home up to 316,000 euros, alongside a public guarantee for 100% bank financing. Regarding foreign investment, the government introduced 'cooling measures' by increasing IMT to 7.5% for non-residents to curb speculative demand, while offering exemptions for those who become tax residents and commit to moderate-rent leases. In the rental sector, the government led by Luís Montenegro revoked forced leasing of vacant homes, reduced construction VAT to 6%, and lowered the IRS tax rate on rental income to 10% for landlords offering moderate rents. However, the 'moderate rent' cap was set at 2,300 euros per month, a figure considered high for the middle class. Additionally, restrictions on local accommodation licensing were revoked, and new measures were announced to facilitate the market entry of properties in undivided inheritance processes.
First meeting between the new head of state and Montenegro following Seguro's inauguration. Also in the news, the government approved housing measures during the Council of Ministers meeting.
The webpage provides a variety of recent news updates related to Portugal, including political, economic, and social issues. Key highlights include a meeting between Portugal's President Montenegro and Prime Minister Seguro in Belém, emphasizing cordial relations. The government announced it will maintain fuel discounts if price increases exceed 10 cents. Additionally, there are legislative updates, such as amendments to rental laws. Investigations are ongoing into corruption at the Santa Maria hospital, where a long-standing scheme involving morgue staff was uncovered. Other notable stories involve allegations of mistreatment in a childcare center in Alfragide and political tensions with the ERC opening a process against TVI. The site also covers international news relevant to Portugal, such as the Ukraine conflict and global events.
The webpage provides a variety of recent news updates related to Portugal. Key highlights include a meeting between Portugal's President Montenegro and Prime Minister Seguro in Belém, characterized by cordiality. The government announced it will maintain fuel discounts if price increases exceed 10 cents. Additionally, the Council of Ministers approved amendments to rental laws and other legislation. Investigations are ongoing into alleged corruption at the Santa Maria morgue, where a scheme lasting over 20 years was uncovered, involving employees receiving up to 500 euros monthly. Other notable stories include a police search at Santa Maria, a scandal involving the TVI channel, and reports of abuse in a creche in Alfragide. The webpage also features sports updates, such as a live report from a Europa League match and a suggestion by Rooney for a new Tottenham coach. Overall, the site offers a broad overview of current political, economic, and social issues in Portugal.
The webpage provides a variety of recent news updates related to Portugal. Key highlights include a meeting between Portugal's President Montenegro and Prime Minister Seguro in Belém, characterized by cordiality. The government announced it will maintain fuel discounts if price increases exceed 10 cents. Additionally, there are legislative updates, such as approved changes to rental laws. Investigations are underway at the Santa Maria morgue concerning a long-standing scheme involving employees receiving bribes. Other notable stories include a corruption investigation at Santa Maria, a crackdown on suspected maus-tratos (abuse) at a creche in Alfragide, and ongoing coverage of the Ukraine conflict. The site also features sports updates, including a live report on a Europa League match between Estugarda and FC Porto, and commentary on potential new coaching strategies for Tottenham.
António José Seguro visited the Institute of Social and Political Sciences (ISCSP), where he previously taught, and was greeted by hundreds of students. During a 40-minute Q&A session, he addressed concerns ranging from the return of mandatory military service and the housing crisis to the importance of public education and the need for youth representation in the Council of State. Seguro emphasized his commitment to gathering input from young people to help shape strategic policies, including the integration of artificial intelligence in political discourse, before heading to the Palácio da Ajuda.
The PS government announced that the former Ministry of Education building on Avenida 5 de Outubro would be converted into a new student residence, but the City Council opted for a different solution.
The Mayor of Lisbon calls for the creation of a specific plan to resolve the housing crisis, warning that municipal councils will be left without financial capacity after the programme ends.
The Mayor of Lisbon urges Member States to consider creating a European fund dedicated exclusively to housing and reminds that PRR funds will be exhausted in June this year.
The president of the Lisbon City Council (CML) asked on Friday for support from the European Union (EU) from the second half of the year, when the execution deadline of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) for projects in the capital ends. Carlos Moedas took advantage of the European Commissioner's visit to Portugal to request a 'Next Generation ...'
Carlos Moedas justified the proposal, emphasising that “many councils, after June, are left with either national support or their own capital, but they do not have the capacity for such large amounts”.
Three public higher education institutions submitted a proposal to create student accommodation in the former headquarters of the Ministry of Education on Avenida 5 de Outubro. They were willing to pay for the refurbishment in full, but never received a response.
The capital will receive more than five million euros to tackle noise from Lisbon Airport. Priority will be given to investment in private homes intended for use as permanent residences.
