Stories from Lisbon · Portugal

Energy company Galp reported a 41 percent increase in profits for the first quarter of the year. This production occurred despite crisis-level prices in the Persian Gulf. Executive President Maria João Carioca noted that Brazil's production levels are rising. The company is also progressing in discussions with Moeve shareholders regarding a potential downstream position merger, with an agreement expected by the end of the year. The company is expanding its renewable energy portfolio, including the acquisition of 351 megawatts of onshore wind assets in Spain. This expansion aims to increase Galp's renewable generation mix to approximately 25%. Maria João Carioca of Galp stated that renewable energy investment reached 320 million euros. The company is also transitioning toward a more balanced portfolio of different technologies.

The Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) is preparing for forest regeneration and reforestation projects. Authorities plan to use natural regeneration where possible, utilizing seeds already present in the soil. In areas where natural regeneration fails, the ICNF will conduct technical reforestation and monitoring. investment in forest renewal is expected to occur over the medium term. The organization aims to ensure the success of forest regeneration through long-term technical follow-up. Investment for these environmental recovery projects is expected to occur over time.

forest loss has occurred, primarily affecting pine and eucalyptus species. Some deciduous trees were also lost due to changes in sunlight exposure. Recovery planning for the affected forest areas is currently being considered. losses have been recorded in private sectors involving cork oak, oak, and other broadleaf species. Experts suggest removing woody material to reduce fire risks and allow natural recovery processes to occur. Removing invasive or non-native materials is necessary to reduce fire risks and allow natural regeneration. Current soil conditions in the affected regions are described as parched. Global forest area has decreased by approximately 178 million hectares over the last 30 years. Global atmospheric temperature rise speeds have reached the highest levels since 2000.

Pedro Delgado Alves, the vice-president of the Socialist Party (PS) bench, criticized José Pedro Aguiar Branco following a speech at a solemn session on April 25. Alves turned his back during the session in protest against Aguiar Branco's remarks.

Participation in programs designed for domestic violence aggressors increased by 8.9 percent during the first three months of the year. Authorities in Portugal recorded 1,055 arrests of aggressors in flagrante delicto for domestic violence cases within the last year. While total reported crimes and complaints have decreased, law enforcement successfully intercepted more perpetrators at the moment of the crime. The data was provided by Liliana Montaer. Domestic violence reports in Portugal involving the GNR and PSP show specific arrest figures. The GNR recorded 343 cases and the PSP recorded 236 cases. These figures follow a 2025 period where reports totaled more than 15,500 situations. In the GNR jurisdiction, there were 16 such cases, while the PSP recorded 41 cases. Conversely, the total number of registered crimes and complaints decreased.

A petition has been circulated against the progressive devaluation of April 25th celebrations within the municipal programming of Lisbon. Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas has characterized the petition as a senseless political attack. The move follows discussions regarding the city's cultural scheduling. No specific details on the proposed changes to the programming were provided. The movement responds to perceived changes in how the city commemorates the Carnation Revolution anniversary. Local figures are being asked for their perspectives on the upcoming celebrations.

The data indicates that the condition disproportionately affects women. Psychologists attribute these figures to a context of constant pressure, emotional overload, and uncertainty. Additionally, the report notes that sexual violence violations in Portugal reached a ten-year high last year. Approximately 70% of sexual violence victims know their aggressor, though only one-third of these victims report the crimes.

Discussions regarding the reform of the United Nations system are increasing due to decolonization and the expansion of member states. Critics are questioning whether the Secretary-General will follow the interests of powerful states or appoint candidates based on merit and competence. There is a specific call for better representation of countries from the Global South. Some nations, particularly those in the Global South, have characterized the current Secretary-General's performance as relatively muted. The upcoming recommendation process for the next Secretary-General is expected to be a central issue in these discussions. The debate occurs as the organization faces pressure regarding member state expansion and structural changes.

Rebecca Greenspan is a candidate for the leadership of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Greenspan previously served as Vice President of Costa Rica. Her candidacy said experience in international development and trade.

Sporting CP drew 1-1 against Vizela, leaving their second-place championship position dependent on their own results. Rafael Nela scored for Sporting in the 47th minute. Pedro Lima scored the equalizer for the hosts in the 66th minute. The result leaves FC Porto three points ahead in the title race. Sporting CP conceded a late equalizer in the final minutes of play, resulting in a draw. The result impacts the club's pursuit of second place in the league standings. A supporter, João Castro, expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome following the match. Tondela secured a 2-2 draw against Sporting in a match at Alvalade that featured two goals scored after the 90th minute. The match occurred during a rescheduled round of play.