Stories from Lisbon · Portugal

Portugal is among the European Union countries with the highest consumption of digital and audiovisual piracy, according to data from the European Union Intellectual Property Office. While over one-third of Portuguese workers hold higher education degrees, wages remain below the European average. The government has proposed changes to labor laws, which have led to several manifestations across the country. The country is surpassed only by Greece, which averages 41 hours, followed by Poland at 40 hours and Bulgaria at 39.9 hours. These statistics apply to the employed population aged 15 to 64, according to Pordata data. Eurostat data released on Labor Day indicates high levels of job precariousness among young people in Portugal. Similar trends in precarious employment were noted in the Netherlands, Poland, France, and Spain. This figure is higher than the EU average of 37 hours per week.

The national director of the Polícia Judiciária stated that content piracy causes an annual loss of 200 million euros to the Portuguese economy. According to data from the EU Intellectual Property Office presented at a conference in Lisbon, one million users in Portugal have accessed content illegally. This activity results in an estimated loss of 200 million euros per year. Approximately 34% of young people admit to accessing illegal websites for entertainment. The loss includes a portion of tax revenue that is not captured by the state. The report notes that piracy is particularly difficult to combat outside of urban areas. The director of IPTV provided these figures today. Illegal access to digital and audiovisual content results in losses of approximately 200 million euros for the Portuguese economy.

A technical failure affected customer access to digital channels via the Caixa Geral de Depósitos website and mobile application. A source from the bank explained to Antena 1 that the issue has been resolved and systems are now normalized. The failure impacted access to digital services for clients. The company stated the technical situation has been overcome. The service interruption affected customers using the bank's digital platforms. The company confirmed that the situation has been overcome and operational continuity is secured. No specific cause for the outage was provided in the report.

The automobile trade association is recommending that car owners follow manufacturer orders to visit service centers for safety reasons. Since March 1, nearly 3,500 vehicles have been rejected or flagged in relation to these orders.

Heavy rainfall has impacted road conditions in Portugal, affecting several routes. Two national roads have been impacted by the weather, though traffic remains possible. Approximately five municipal roads, primarily in rural areas, are currently closed to traffic. Two national roads used by Infraestruturas de Portugal are currently subject to traffic conditions. Alternative routes are available for affected areas.

Architect Eduardo Soto-Demora will receive the gold medal from the International Union of Architects. The award requires approval by the Lisbon executive. The Order of Architects announced the distinction this morning, noting it is the second time a Portuguese recipient has received the award since Alvaro Siza in 2011. Architect Eduardo Soutemora has been awarded the medal of the order of the International Union of Architects. He is the second Portuguese recipient of this distinction, following Alvarez Isaviera who received it 15 years ago. Avelino Oliveira, president of the order of architects, stated that Soutemora received the news with joy. Oliveira was the individual who submitted the candidacy for the award. The award was presented by Alina Oliveira. The recipient is described as a member of the architectural order. Architect Souto de Moura has been awarded an international medal.

A major destruction occurred on the morning of April 28, affecting the Iberian electrical network. The incident triggered an automatic shutdown of the power grid in Spain and subsequently in mainland Portugal. The event took place around 11:30 AM in Portugal. A government-appointed working group of 10 experts has been tasked with evaluating the response, specifically regarding the electrical system. The reporter noted the area resembled a battlefield following the destruction. The Portuguese government has requested an evaluation of the response, specifically regarding the electrical system, from a working group composed of 10 experts. The incident occurred during a period of changes in the production sector. The shutdown affected mainland Portugal starting around 11:30 AM local time.

Seven hospitals within a Lisbon health unit have increased their power autonomy to 24 hours using generators. The São José local health unit has achieved one day of autonomy, which remains below the three-day recommendation from a parliamentary working group. Gonçalo Costa Martins reported on these capacity changes. SNS Executive Director Alvaro Santos Almeida previously acknowledged in parliament in March that there was no preparation for 72-hour autonomy. Most units managed to resolve supply issues locally, though Lisbon faced difficulties. The specific reinforcements made to other hospitals were not clarified. The director noted that very few units were prepared for three days of self-sufficiency.

Benfica is expected to receive an additional 1 million euros following the sale of Vitor Roque. The club's total revenue from the deal is projected to reach 68.5 million euros because the English team involved has secured Champions League participation for next year. The source noted the transaction is tied to the club's financial standing and upcoming European competition.

The Lisbon metro system is currently closed, including both entrances at Picó. The congestion is affecting the route toward Santo and continues to cause delays. Two Lisbon metro entrances in Picões were closed with gates locked down, preventing passengers from entering or exiting. The interruption was reported by journalist Teresa Correia. Circulation on the Lisbon metro will be suspended between the Rússio and Caio do Sul-Dré stations on the Green Line. The suspension is scheduled to occur from May 2 to May 5. The service disruption is due to works on the circular line. A traffic accident occurred on Calçada da Carris in Lisbon. The incident is causing queues starting from the IC 22 near the Ramada area. Queues extend from the Ex Norte Sul to Calvalhas on the Segunda Circular heading toward Porto. An accident in Alfragide is currently in the resolution phase.