Stories from Lisbon · Portugal

The Graça funicular in Lisbon has received revalidation of its operating license from the EMT. The equipment had been closed for approximately seven months following the Milvador da Glória accident.

Lisbon city council members from the left are criticizing the allocation of 75,000 euros to support two concerts. PSD councilman Diogo Mora stated that 80% of the event will be free to the public. The funding was provided to facilitate the performances. Left-wing councilors in Lisbon are criticizing municipal support for a specific event. João Ferreira of the CDU noted the event is exempt from fees, stating the decision to waive these fees was not made by the council. Leitão of the PSP has requested the cancellation of the event, describing it as a symbol of inequality in the city. The Lisbon City Council provided 75,000 euros to fund two concerts promoted by Lohad, a group directed by Gonçalo Castelo Branco. The council president denied influencing the selection process or making personal choices regarding the event.

The Judiciary Police conducted searches at the office of the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) in Lisbon on Wednesday. The investigation concerns alleged facilitation of immigration processes.

The company responsible for managing cultural spaces in Lisbon issued an email to workers regarding the recent strike. The company expressed gratitude to those who did not participate in the strike held last Friday.

The Lisbon City Council supported a commercial picnic event scheduled for this coming Sunday at Parque Eduardo VII. The Mayor stated that the council did not influence the selection of the promoter, Camila Vidal. A PS member, Pedro, requested the cancellation of the event, citing it as a symbol of increasing inequality in Lisbon. PSD councilman Diogo Moura stated that 80% of the event will have free entry. However, CDU councilman João Ferreira criticized the municipal support and the event's exemption from certain fees. Ferreira noted that the municipality did not decide the exemption, but rather that no one decided to pay the fees. Ferreira claimed the decision regarding fee exemptions was not made by the current City Council. The municipality president stated he has no influence over personal choices or event details.

The Deco consumer organization reported that the food basket price fell to 258.52 euros this week, down from 257.37 euros the previous week. A downward trend in food prices is being observed, though the report notes that prices are not yet considered cheap. The extent of the decrease may depend on upcoming weather conditions across the country. Food prices in Portugal saw a weekly decrease, according to reports from Lisbon. Analysts noted that this decline contradicts recent trends. It remains uncertain if this price drop represents a sustained downward trend or if further decreases will occur in the coming week. The food basket monitored by the source dropped by 2 euros and 37 cents. This marks the first weekly decline in the index since the previous period. Retailers are currently replenishing stocks that were previously purchased at higher prices during the shortage.

The Lei João Criminal Court has declared the Public Prosecutor's accusations against hacker Pinto invalid. The court ruled that the defendant's dignity was not respected and rejected claims of state-sponsored persecution.

António José Seguro has appointed Claudia Ribeiro as the new head of the Casa Civil. Ribeiro has served as a political consultant for former President Marcelo Rebelo de Souza since 2021. She previously held the position of Secretary of the Council of State under the current presidency. The appointment follows a phone conversation between President Rosso and U.S. President Donald Trump. This marks the first time in Portuguese history that a woman has led the Civil House. Cristina Correia was appointed as the Secretary of the Council of State, a role previously held by Ribeiro. This marks the first time a woman will lead this office in Portugal. The appointment aims to reflect a commitment to balanced representation in high-level public responsibilities, according to the source. Claude Eriber has been appointed as the Chief of Staff of the Presidency of the Republic in Portugal.

A collective of judges from the Lisbon Criminal Court accused the Public Ministry of procedural violence and an assault on justice. The judges issued harsh criticisms regarding the treatment of the case, according to Lusa Agency. The accusation was reported by Antena 1 RTP HLS.

CHEGA leader André Ventura accused the Portuguese executive of mishandling the labor law revision process during a parliamentary debate. Ventura also advocated for a reduction in fuel taxes.