Stories from Lisbon · Portugal

The profits of banks in the first quarter of the year were discussed, with a focus on potential state intervention in the market.

Minister Rosário Palma Ramalho insisted that the trade union confederation is responsible for the lack of understanding between parties, stating that the "GT" group never truly intended to reach an agreement.

During a football match, a penalty call was made, which a commentator immediately disputed, stating it was 'not a penalty'.

A Socialist Party judge has initiated a political crisis in Portugal, according to O Nascimento do Sol. A tripartite agreement involving PSD-CGPS ultimately failed, resulting in the unscheduled election of new Constitutional Court judges, which was originally planned for May.

Maria Rego, from the Braga Football Association, has been appointed to referee the Benfica-Braga League Cup match. This will be her sixth game for Benfica and fourth for Braga this season.

Radio Observador reported a headline concerning a police case that involves a candidate for the Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP) in Portugal.

Coercive measures for PSP agents detained in connection with alleged torture and rape incidents at the Rato police station in Lisbon are not expected to be announced today. Measures of coercion concerning agents of the Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP) are expected to be announced.

André Ventura of the Chega party presented a constitutional revision proposal on Thursday. The proposal suggests that individuals obtaining Portuguese nationality must demonstrate a minimum connection to the community and national values. It also seeks to allow for the loss of nationality for those who commit crimes against people or the state. The party cited concerns regarding national values and symbols in the proposal. A proposal from the Chega political party appears to be very difficult, according to the source.

Proposed amendments to the Labor Code are proceeding to Parliament following a lack of agreement during social concertation meetings. The Socialist Party accused the government of attempting to discredit unions during the negotiation process. André Ventura of the Chega party stated that the government must negotiate with his party to ensure the legislation is approved. The social concertation meeting indicated a disagreement between the negotiating partners. The Portuguese government is preparing to approve a labor package in the Council of Ministers to send to the Assembly of the Republic. The UGT union indicated that five specific points were insufficient to reach a social concertation agreement. This follows recent discussions regarding the legislative process in Portugal.

EDP reported a 12 percent decline in profits for the first quarter, totaling 378 million euros. EDP justified its financial results to the CMVM, the Portuguese Securities Market Commission. The report follows a period of financial volatility for the utility provider.