Latest news and stories about social policy in Portugal for expats and residents.
The City Council admits to reviewing the Local Housing Strategy “to evaluate new rehousing”, but only after June 30, when the PRR funding ends.
The PS initiative was approved in the plenary vote with votes against from the CDS and PSD and an abstention from the Liberal Initiative, and will now proceed to be discussed in the committee stage.
This discussion is not a niche identity whim. It is a discussion about the limits of the power of the State, institutions, and majorities when they enter people's intimate sphere.
The new president of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference said that the bishops hope for this “sign” towards the victims of abuse.
Although public policies are in place to promote the employability of people with disabilities, most of these responses are 'not effective or sufficiently comprehensive,' stresses Inês Sequeira, CEO of Rede Capital Social, an association that aims to encourage strategic philanthropy in Portugal, in an interview with ECO. 'One example is the +Emprego measure, whose current...'
An analysis of the concept of equality, distinguishing between legal equality and substantive inequality. The text argues that while biological differences are inherent, social inequalities can and should be mitigated through compensatory public policies, such as progressive taxation, free education, and social support, as a permanent commitment to a fairer society.
The right gives what is theirs; Nabeiro's socialism gives what it produces; and the institutional left has specialised in managing memory... as long as the bill is paid by the taxpayers.
Organizations warn of the risks of regression and inequalities in areas such as education, housing, and health.
The initial goal was 20,000 signatures, but the petition already has nearly 30,000 people. The goal of the petition is to make it clear that there are many people in Portuguese society who defend self-determination.
Watching José Luís Carneiro present the PS as the “most reformist party in Portugal” (I swear) is the height of audacity and lack of awareness. We can roll on the floor laughing. What we cannot do is take this seriously. Opinion piece by João Miguel Tavares.
It is necessary to raise awareness among both public authorities and civil society regarding policies that expand access to education, especially among older women in vulnerable situations. Opinion by Vivien Merciel Suarez
The novelty of the 25th PS Congress organization was an alternative space open to non-members where debates on housing, health, and the economy took place. Speakers praised the initiative but pressured the PS to be “consistent” with the contributions. In the Children's Space, José Luís Carneiro was surprised by the topic of war.
Defending life requires more than words; it requires concrete policies that support women, protect children, and truly value the family.
The Liberal Initiative (IL) confirmed that its understanding of freedom is irreconcilable with limiting the will of a minor who is convinced that they will only be happy if they subject their body to irreparable abuse.
We are transitioning to a democracy that is bidding farewell to its deliberative function in favour of a performative one. Members of parliament are more concerned with creating good edits for social media. A column by Rodrigo Fialho.
It is not measured in degrees, but in rights. In recent years, we have witnessed a slow and persistent cooling of civic habits that has eroded institutions. This is not something that happens overnight, but a process of normalizing what would previously have been considered unacceptable. The retreat of liberal democracies and the expansion of political models that subordinate freedom to authority are clear signs that we are on the verge of a democratic winter. The Socialist Party (PS), meeting this weekend for its Congress, must lead the fight to restore trust, address inequality, and offer renewed solutions to the country's current challenges.
A right of reply regarding the article published on March 24, 2026, concerning the conflict between a mother and son over gender identity legislation.
The Apostolic Nuncio in Lisbon has accused extremist political parties of attempting to associate themselves with the Catholic faith, arguing that the Church must distance itself, particularly on social issues such as immigration. In an interview with the Lusa agency, Andrés Carrascosa Coso stated that Gospel values must be applied to daily life and that one cannot simply choose the parts of doctrine that suit specific agendas. He emphasized that while immigration policy must consider a country's capacity to host, the issue must also be viewed through the lens of the Gospel, which demands care for every person in inhumane situations. Furthermore, he warned against the dangers of algorithms and populism, which limit exposure to differing viewpoints and hinder the dialogue necessary to build society.
Does the PSD no longer know how to handle internal pluralism and is it breaking with its history of allowing free votes on matters of conscience?
Pedro Afonso, psychiatrist and former president of the AMPC, speaks of a measure in the interest of prudence and common sense for the health of children. Daniela Bento, president of ILGA Portugal, rejects the measure as “harmful”.
The local authority has already proposed to the Government the relocation of the current room, which is expected to move to an existing building. In two years, the project has welcomed 1,832 users and removed more than 200,000 instances of drug consumption from the streets.
The proposals debated in Parliament today by the far-right are yet another attack on the existence of trans and intersex people in Portugal. Opinion by Luísa Semedo.
Home News Portuguese municipality to create gender equality body Portuguese municipality to create gender equality body The Funchal City Council has established the Municipal Council for Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination, an advisory body to the municipality that aims to contribute to the de
The Secretary-General was elected in an uncontested direct vote and announced two roadmaps in his victory speech: one to support disengaged youth and another to develop the maritime economy.
José Luís Carneiro was re-elected as Secretary-General of the Portuguese Socialist Party (PS) with an overwhelming 96.9% of the votes, reflecting strong support within the party. He acknowledged that this result brings “special responsibilities” in his leadership role. The article also highlights recent political developments in Portugal, including the re-election of Frederico Varandas as president of Sporting with 89.47% of votes, and various government and social initiatives such as the promulgation of a free cultural ticket for people with disabilities and support efforts for displaced individuals. Additionally, discussions in Portugal involve the government calling the AR (Assembly of the Republic) to address the appointment of a nurse to renewable energy structures, and broader European security concerns, like the reactivation of the EU's mutual defense clause.
The article discusses recent proposals by the Portuguese political parties CDS-PP and Chega to restrict the display of certain flags, including those representing ideological causes and other countries, on public buildings. These proposals aim to prevent the use of public institutions as platforms for propaganda or division. However, they have faced strong criticism from left-wing parties and representatives, who accuse the right-wing parties of attempting to suppress symbols of the LGBT community, notably the rainbow flag. Critics argue that the measures threaten to infringe on rights and are part of a broader pattern of persecution against marginalized groups. The debate highlights tensions over cultural and social symbols in Portugal's political landscape.
The President of the Assembly of the Republic stated today that formal and cultural obstacles persist, hindering women's participation in society, and stressed that these challenges call upon all citizens to defend gender equality.
The Portuguese MEP was the author of the report approved in the European Parliament that will influence the strategy to combat poverty in the European Union.
Under the slogan 'Take Equality Seriously', the candidate argues for the need to deepen the fight against the persistent inequalities between men and women in Portugal.
Portugal's accession to the European Union was 40 years ago, and the path taken since then has also been one of greater concern for citizens and of bringing them closer to European institutions. The European Ombudsman was created to ensure that rapprochement, to give meaning to Europeans' complaints, to guarantee the transparency of decisions and to show that Brussels is not a distant place imposing rules without listening to people.
