Stories from Lisbon · Portugal

The president of the Lisbon Association of Property Owners, Meses de Leitão, stated that new insurance regulations will increase costs for homebuyers. The policy allows curators to manage a catastrophe fund, fulfilling a long-standing demand from curators. Leitão argued that this change primarily benefits the curators rather than the public. Journalist Miriam Alitão raised questions regarding the management of a new agency tasked with overseeing 22 billion euros in funding. The inquiry focused on why ministries will not manage these funds directly given previous execution issues with the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). The agency is expected to manage 500 million euros in European financing. The Prime Minister was asked to clarify the structure and leadership of this new entity.

Portugal has increased electricity consumption compensation from 50% to 70% for sectors with intensive electricity use. These temporary measures are valid until the end of the year. Authorities stated the rules may be reevaluated depending on the situation.

Sporting is set to receive 1.51 million euros due to contract objectives related to the sale of Eóqueres to Genoa. The financial gain is tied to specific performance milestones. The announcement comes as Sporting prepares for a match against Tondela at Alvalade.

The Order of Nurses is refusing to participate in the monitoring commission responsible for defining protocols for a new government proposal. The Order of Nurses in Portugal has withdrawn from a commission established in March to oversee low-risk pregnancy monitoring projects. The decision follows a directive from National Health Service (SNS) Executive Director Alvaro Almeida that limits the scope of nursing actions. Order president Luís Felipe Barreira stated that essential instrumental acts required for this surveillance are no longer permitted. The withdrawal impacts the ability to monitor pregnant women and manage necessary prescriptions and co-payments for supplements required during low-risk pregnancy follow-ups. The changes prevent nurses from prescribing medical exams and medications.

The Directorate-General for Health will update the National Reproductive Health Program later this year. Investigations are reportedly hindered by the high level of rationality of perpetrators and the prevalence of anonymous complaints. The report includes findings from 2022. The source noted that investigations into corruption have been ongoing since 2023. The report also covers the selection of new judges for the Constitutional Court and the Procuradoria de Justiça. The number rose to 526 convictions last year, including 167 individuals serving prison sentences for money laundering. President of the Constitutional Court José João Brandes has not confirmed if he will vacate his position. The Assembly of the Republic released a document providing concrete data on corruption in Portugal.

Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel stated that geopolitical differences between Portugal and Spain do not jeopardize Iberian relations. Rangel spoke at an event in Lisbon promoted by the Latorra Spanish Foundation focused on transatlantic relations.

The Portuguese Prime Minister stated that the country maintains a fiscal policy friendly to investment. Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel defended the use of the Lajes Air Base by the United States for attacks against Iran. Rangel stated that the agreement allows the base to be used in the context of retaliation. He said that Portugal does not support or subscribe to the conflict in Iran. The minister did not specify who initiated the war during his interview with RTP Notícias. When questioned about the origins of the conflict, the minister stated it was not relevant. He noted that the government remains attentive to price changes to avoid potential problems. Montenegro said that the government will act according to its responsibilities regarding these economic developments.

The Prime Minister stated that Portugal currently has the lowest energy costs within the European Union. He addressed concerns regarding energy instability within Europe. The comments follow the release of the 2025 report from the National Anticorruption Mechanism. This document was recently delivered to the President of the Assembly of the Republic. Prime Minister Luiz Montenegro spoke at the Portugal Nation Global Forum in Lisbon this morning. He also noted that Portugal is projected to grow faster than the European Union average in 2026. The European Commission has decided to refer alleged irregularities regarding Portugal's promotion of renewable energy to the Court of Justice. Brussels accused Portugal of failures in promoting renewable energy sources. This decision follows a response to requests from Member States regarding state aid.

CP reported a 166 percent increase in profits last year compared to the previous year. The Minister of Infrastructure attributed this growth largely to the Green Railway Pass.

Minister Manuel Castro Almeida acknowledged the CGTP union's right to organize a general strike scheduled for June 2. The minister stated the government will not abandon labor law reforms despite the strike. He claimed the CGTP has closed the door to negotiations and is instead seeking solutions through social consultation. The government views the strike as a matter of routine management and reprogramming. Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho stated in an interview with El Mundo that Portugal may seek compensation from Spain following a recent blackout. The government is currently awaiting a position from the regulator before taking formal action. For now, the decision on how to proceed rests with the affected companies. Montenegro questioned the participation numbers of the previous year's strike, suggesting unions no longer represent the majority of the population.