Emigrants have to travel hundreds of kilometres to vote: 'No love of country can withstand it'
Voting in presidential elections remains strictly in person, and the abstention rate among citizens abroad has consistently stayed above 90%.
Update: Reporting highlights that emigrants frequently must travel hundreds of kilometres to reach polling stations in order to vote — a distance many say they cannot afford or manage: “No love of country can withstand it,” one expatriate commented. Analysts and rights groups say the in‑person‑only requirement effectively disenfranchises large numbers of expats and helps explain the persistently high abstention rate, prompting renewed calls for policy changes such as expanded polling locations abroad, postal voting or secure electronic options; authorities acknowledge logistical and legal hurdles but have not set a timetable for reforms.
5pm: Marques Mendes asks people to believe in victory
The candidate says 'everything is still open' and reminds that incorrect polls are 'our daily bread'. Also, the Clérigos Tower in Porto reopens.
00:00 — Iran: More than 600 protesters killed
An NGO in Iran says more than than 600 protesters have already died in demonstrations against the regime. Also, Gouveia e Melo is confident he will be present in a presidential run-off.
2h. IPMA: Depression Goretti arrives in Portugal on Thursday
The Goretti depression reaches Portugal on Thursday, bringing rain, cold and strong winds. Also, Seguro strengthens his lead in the presidential race and reappears in first place in the polls.
Cotrim Figueiredo hopes Portuguese nationals are being protected
Presidential candidate João Cotrim Figueiredo hopes that Portuguese nationals in Venezuela are being supported and protected following the US military intervention.
Seguro says he is following the situation in the country 'with great concern'
Presidential candidate António José Seguro said today he is following 'with great concern' the situation in Venezuela, a country subject to a military intervention by the United States, where around 500,000 Portuguese live.
06:00 — Eight districts under yellow warning this Friday
An IPMA yellow warning is in force this Friday for eight districts — Guarda, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Leiria, Lisbon, Setúbal, Beja and Faro — calling for increased public caution due to adverse conditions that could affect travel, outdoor activities and local services. At the same time eight presidential candidates will convene in Lisbon for a radio debate, an event whose logistics and audience turnout may be influenced by the weather alert; organisers and the public are advised to monitor forecasts and prioritise safety while ensuring the debate proceeds with contingency plans for any disruptions. The overlap of a national weather warning and a key campaign event underscores the practical intersection of public safety and electoral logistics.
Marques Mendes: Government acted too late in controlling the borders
Luís Marques Mendes was the only presidential candidate campaigning on the last day of the year.
3h. Nuclear weapons. Donald Trump threatens to 'topple' Iran
Trump's threat comes six months after attacks by Israel and the US on Tehran's nuclear programmes. Also, the PS calls on presidential candidates to the left of António José Seguro to withdraw.