The Ministry of Education is investigating reports that nearly 80 schools were visited by digital influencers linked to adult content during student association campaigns over the last two years. The investigation follows media reports revealing weaknesses in school management bodies that allowed these individuals to participate in student activities. Parents should be aware that the government has announced new guidelines to prohibit any school activities that contradict educational values.

The Portuguese Communist Party (Partido Comunista Português or PCP) and the Left Bloc (Bloco de Esquerda or BE) are calling for government regulation and price fixing for fuel and food. Leaders Paulo Raimundo and José Manuel Pureza criticized the “obscene profits” of large companies during a protest in Lisbon, citing speculation linked to Middle East tensions. Consumers should note that these parties are also pushing for an extraordinary tax on large corporate profits.

The Health Regulatory Authority reported 91,553 complaints in 2025, with 64.2% originating from the public sector, primarily concerning access to care, while private sector complaints focused on pricing.

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.

Portugal faces criticism for its vulnerability to spam and online scams, prompting calls from Anacom, the Cybersecurity Alliance, and Deco for legislative reform and enhanced consumer protection measures.

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.

A parliamentary committee has approved expanding the right to be forgotten (direito ao esquecimento) to include patients with diabetes, HIV, cancer, and hepatitis C. The law ensures that individuals who have recovered or are managing these conditions face the same conditions as others when applying for bank credit or insurance. The proposal, originally from the Socialist Party (Partido Socialista), aims to end discrimination in financial services based on medical history. Those with chronic conditions should note that these changes will take effect once the final law is published.

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has promised to use regulatory power to prevent fuel price speculation as costs at some stations again exceed two euros per liter. Energy Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho stated that while the market is tense, Portugal has not yet reached an 'energy emergency' that would trigger more drastic measures. Drivers should note that the government plans to release 10% of strategic oil reserves to help stabilize the market, though taxi federations are already requesting extraordinary support.

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.

Complaints regarding real estate mediation (mediação imobiliária) reached a historic high in 2025, driven by issues with property reservations and customer service. Many disputes involve the promissory purchase and sale agreement (Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda or CPCV). Those seeking housing should be aware of their rights when dealing with agents and ensure all reservation payments are properly documented.

President António José Seguro and Parliament President José Pedro Aguiar-Branco have urged the government and social partners to resume negotiations on the new labour law (legislação laboral). While employer confederations recently stated conditions for an agreement were lacking, the government and some unions have expressed openness to further talks. The proposed reforms, known as the Trabalho XXI draft bill, have faced significant hurdles over issues like outsourcing and the right to disconnect. Workers should note that Socialist Party (Partido Socialista) leader José Luís Carneiro has criticized the current proposals as a “choice for inhumanity.”

Update: Business groups and UGT agree to resume labour talks

President Seguro has successfully revived negotiations after business confederations previously declared them over. The Confederation of Tourism (Confederação do Turismo de Portugal or CTP) and the Confederation of Commerce and Services (Confederação do Comércio e Serviços de Portugal or CCP) confirmed their availability to return to the table. The General Union of Workers (União Geral de Trabalhadores or UGT) also clarified it never intended to leave the discussions.

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.

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.

In early November, the Portuguese Government approved a new cybersecurity law that will come into effect in April. This law implements the NIS2 Directive (EU) 2022/2555, aiming to enhance digital resilience in the country and ensure compliance with European standards. It introduces significant penalties for non-compliance, including million-euro fines, and imposes stricter responsibilities on organizations to protect their digital infrastructure, thereby addressing reputational risks associated with cybersecurity breaches.

The article discusses significant updates to the Portugal Golden Visa program, effective February 18, 2026. It outlines new rules that will impact eligibility and investment requirements for foreign investors seeking residency in Portugal. Key changes include adjustments to the types of investments accepted and potential increases in minimum investment amounts. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding these updates for prospective applicants, as they may affect the attractiveness of the program. For detailed information on the specific changes and their implications, readers are encouraged to consult the full article.

Update: New Investment Categories Introduced

Recent developments indicate that the updated Golden Visa program will introduce new investment categories, including options for sustainable energy projects and technology startups, aimed at attracting a broader range of investors.

The energy transition is a critical issue that must be prioritized in economic, industrial, and climate policy discussions. It is essential for sustainable development and addressing climate change.

The Energy Services Regulatory Authority (ERSE) has mandated that electricity and gas suppliers must allow affected customers to split their bills into manageable payments. This decision follows a consultation process and aims to alleviate financial pressure on those impacted by Storm Kristin. Suppliers are required to issue a credit note before sending a second bill to customers who opt for this payment plan.

The Socialist Party (PS) has tabled a bill to regulate health discount cards after MP Miguel Costa Matos warned consumers are confusing these cards with health insurance. The proposal would force advertisers to include a clear disclaimer — “this product is not a health insurance nor does it replace health insurance” — aiming to reduce misleading marketing and clarify the difference between discount plans and regulated insurance products. The move frames the health-card market as an unregulated sector requiring consumer-protection measures and clearer rules for advertising and service claims.

The PSD parliamentary group has tabled a bill to amend TVDE rules so that taxis can operate under TVDE, caps on dynamic fares would be removed, vehicles such as tricycles and quadricycles could be used, and passengers could be subject to ratings. The proposal would further blur the regulatory distinction between traditional taxis and app-based ride-hailing, increase fare volatility through unconstrained dynamic pricing, and broaden the fleet types competing on platforms. Key implications include questions over safety, insurance and enforcement for non‑standard vehicles, the effects of passenger ratings on access and fairness, and the need for regulatory safeguards to protect drivers and consumers.

The Government has altered the governance model for European funds, removing the statutory right to appeal decisions by fund managing authorities. The change, approved by the Council of Ministers on 9 January but not yet published in the Diário da República, is presented as a simplification intended to make fund administration clearer and more effective. While the amendment may speed up decision-making and reduce administrative burdens, it eliminates a direct procedural remedy for beneficiaries and stakeholders — including SMEs, NGOs and expat nationals — and raises questions about accountability, transparency and conformity with national and EU administrative-law protections. Key issues to monitor are the final text published in the Official Gazette, any alternative oversight or review mechanisms that are put in place (internal review, ombudsman, monitoring committees or judicial review), and the potential for legal or political challenges that could arise if ordinary remedies are perceived as insufficient.

Ricardo Arroja argues that the European Commission’s attempt to balance openness and protection is already skewed towards protection. He warns this tilt risks undermining the EU’s openness, competitiveness and regulatory coherence, potentially fragmenting the single market and stifling innovation. Arroja calls for recalibrated policy that defends legitimate security and social concerns without sacrificing the Union’s commitment to openness and a level-playing field.

The Portuguese securities regulator (CMVM) says it did not open ongoing supervision of Oeno's wine investment fund because there were no interested investors to trigger that stage of oversight. Fund Box, the authorised manager and distributor of the fund, asserts it fulfilled its regulatory and contractual duties. The situation highlights a regulatory gap where authorisation to market a product did not lead to formal supervisory measures in the absence of subscriptions, raising questions about oversight triggers and responsibilities among managers, distributors and the regulator.

Right of reply from the Minister of Agriculture to PÚBLICO’s 23–24 January coverage, addressed to the ICNF. The minister argues that regulatory or legal obstacles that block project approvals should be tackled by changing the law rather than abandoning projects, stressing that governing cannot be synonymous with mere execution. The reply frames the issue as one of policy and regulatory design — balancing property rights, environmental protection and development — and calls for clearer, reform-minded legal solutions to streamline approvals while respecting conservation responsibilities.

The Government approved a decree‑law on Thursday, announced by António Leitão Amaro, allowing higher education institutions to require only one entrance exam. The change reverses a Socialist government decision that had forced students to sit at least two admission tests and restores the system that was in force until 2024. The move increases institutional autonomy over selection criteria and could affect comparability of admissions outcomes across institutions; it is presented as a regulatory rollback rather than an expansion of student protections. (A separate note in the original text observes a concern that the Peace Council could become similar to the UN Security Council.)

Around 48,000 taxpayers benefited for the first time from a new incentive allowing a 5% deduction of declared domestic work expenses from personal income tax (IRS), yielding an average benefit of €109 per taxpayer. Taxpayers must declare domestic worker salaries by 2 March 2026. The measure is aimed at encouraging registration of domestic workers, reducing undeclared employment and slightly easing household tax burdens, with implications for household finances and expatriates working in the country.

The European Parliament is resisting Commission proposals to dilute passenger protections, insisting on retaining mandatory compensation for cancelled or delayed flights and a guaranteed baggage allowance. The dispute reflects a broader clash between consumer-rights advocates and regulatory reformers, with important consequences for airlines, passengers and upcoming EU travel rules.

The Socialist Party (PS) has asked that Agriculture Minister José Manuel Fernandes be summoned to the Assembly of the Republic after a video surfaced in which he appears to urge environmental authorities to 'not comply with the law'. PS says the comments constitute 'illegitimate pressure' on environmental bodies, reflect a dangerous government denialist stance and raise concerns that legislative or regulatory changes might be pursued to legitimise contested projects.

The Court of Auditors has criticised the Government for failing to update the Code of Mutual Associations, leaving a regulatory and supervisory gap that jeopardises financial stability and the protection of Montepio members. The audit highlights weaknesses in oversight of mutual banking structures and calls on the Government to enact legal and regulatory reforms urgently to close the supervision gap and reduce risks to depositors and members, including expatriate stakeholders. The ruling frames the omission as a systemic threat requiring targeted reform of governance, prudential rules and supervisory resources.

Caixa Geral de Depósitos has updated its code of conduct to introduce explicit AI guardrails, mandating human review of content produced by artificial intelligence to mitigate algorithmic bias. The move highlights a growing focus on governance and accountability in financial services, while underscoring that many companies still rely on internal policies that are not formalised within their codes of ethics. The change has implications for compliance, consumer protection and how banks integrate AI responsibly into products and communications.