Stories from Lisbon · Portugal

Approximately 1,500 children formed a giant blue human chain at Quinta das Conchas in Lisbon on Thursday. The initiative aims to promote the prevention of child abuse. The event was reported as part of a news segment by journalist João Vazgo.

Portugal's inflation rate accelerated to 3.4 percent in April, representing a 0.7 percentage point increase from March. Chega leader André Ventura stated the executive branch did not prepare the country for this price increase. The Socialist Party leader is scheduled to join UGT celebrations for Labor Day tomorrow. Politician André Ventura stated the executive branch failed to protect Portuguese citizens from this economic scenario. Ventura continues to advocate for the implementation of IVA-0 measures. Inflation reached 3.4 percent during this month, according to the report. The Chega party has advocated for the application of zero VAT on essential goods to combat rising costs. Meanwhile, the government is revising its 2026 accounts and has lowered economic growth targets for the current year, now projecting a zero balance.

Novo Banco reported profits exceeding 200 million euros in the first quarter. This represents a 13.2 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The bank released these figures in a statement this morning. The financial results were disclosed on Thursday morning.

The Indie Lisboa film festival features a program of more than 240 films. The festival maintains a retrospective component as part of its identity, according to Susana Santos Rodríguez.

Total reported capital gains reached 929 million euros during the first three months of the year. This represents a 153 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The rise is attributed to the impact of increasing prices for crude oil and refined products.

The National Political Commission of the PS met in Lisbon following the re-election of José Luiz Carneiro as Secretary-General. Former minister Arte de Cordero declined to join the body.

The agricultural sector accounted for two-thirds of more than 4,000 work visas issued through a 'green lane' established by the Portuguese government in April last year. The report suggested that higher weekly hours do not necessarily correlate with higher productivity levels. President António José Seguro addressed workers via a message on the presidency website. He promised to never remain indifferent to workers' causes or silent while they struggle for dignity. The statement comes amid an announced general strike by the CGTP scheduled for May 7. Seguro stated that history shows workers respond to adversity through organization and struggle for rights rather than resignation. Workers intend to return to the streets to protest and defeat a proposed labor package. The CGTP secretary announced the plan verbally this morning.

Of an estimated 185,000 insurance claims reported, only 300,000 euros have been effectively paid out. Total estimated damages from these claims amount to 1 billion euros. The source noted that the state should intervene in critical situations while technical evaluations and reports are being produced. Public funds may be used to anticipate payments and be reimbursed later. There are approximately 185,000 reported claims currently pending resolution. Of 1.5 billion euros in available funds, only approximately 740 million euros have been approved. Banks are not responding with expected speed regarding state guarantees that can cover up to 80% of granted values. The source noted that while the loan moratorium is, addressing the delay in fund disbursement to companies is critical.

An accident involving three heavy vehicles occurred on the Norte-Sul highway heading toward Lisbon. The incident has caused traffic disruptions near the Port of Lisbon. Crews are currently performing vehicle removal and road cleaning, leaving traffic blocked toward Porto and Lisbon. Traffic remains cut on the A1 highway between Mialhada and Trancoso in the Porto-to-Lisbon direction due to a serious accident involving three heavy vehicles. Congestion is reported near the Pragal southbound exit before the toll plaza. Queues are also affecting the second circular in both directions and the route from São João da Talha to Sacavém. Emergency services are currently on-site performing cleanup operations. An accident involving three heavy vehicles has caused a road closure on the north-south route near Coimbra. Civil Protection reported one person sustained minor injuries in the collision.

New data from the Business Pndt Portugal association shows that annual salaries in Portugal have increased. The report focuses on the net amount workers take home over the course of a year.