Stories from Lisbon · Portugal

Thousands of citizens, including families and youth, gathered on Avenida da Liberdade in Lisbon to participate in traditional April 25th parades. The demonstrations mark the anniversary of the Carnation Revolution and serve as a celebration of democracy. The event features large crowds following the historical tradition of carrying carnations. The GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana) is celebrating its anniversary by opening its doors for free visits at its Lisbon headquarters, the Carmo Barracks. The event commemorates the GNR's founding day, April 22nd. Additionally, a lottery game, 'Jogo da Mala', is offering a prize of 32,988 euros, with listeners encouraged to call in to participate.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Lisbon and Porto to participate in traditional marches commemorating the April 25 revolution. In Lisbon, participants carried carnations and marched through the city center toward Avenida dos Aliados. The marches mark the 52nd anniversary of the revolution.

Political figures are debating a labor package that critics argue aims to suppress workers' rights. Portugal's government is considering approving labor legislation despite opposition from two major trade unions. The debate centers on whether to pass such laws when the economy is acknowledged as healthy. The government aims to preserve the integrity of its democracy. Unemployment among youth is three times the general average, and precarious employment is triple the general rate. Portugal's current labor legislation is considered among the most rigid in developed countries, ranking between third and seventh most rigid globally depending on indicators. This reform proposes instruments such as the 'Banco de Horas' (hours bank) and reintegration in cases of dismissal, practices common in other European countries.

President António Costa has called for the disclosure of the origins of political party donations. This demand follows the traditional April 25th celebrations in Lisbon, which included parades at the Parliament. The President emphasized the need for clarity regarding who is financing political organizations. Recent discussions involve the President of the Assembly of the Republic contesting views that politics is transforming into a 'reality show.' Proposals suggest that declaring personal income is insufficient and that public declarations should extend to the wealth and business activities of spouses and close relatives to ensure accountability. He warned that democracy is fragile and requires constant vigilance against corruption, which undermines its foundations.

CDS Deputy João Almeida has called for courage and decisive action regarding Portugal's political direction, questioning the current hesitation to review the Constitution. She argued that parents should not be forced to deal with unnecessary bureaucracy when a child falls ill. The deputy also called for the state to better recognize the financial burden of child-rearing expenses. André Ventura announced plans to present a constitutional revision project this Thursday. The proposal aims to remove ideological content from the Portuguese Constitution. Key topics for the reform include life imprisonment and chemical castration for pedophiles. Ventura also seeks justice reform and the depoliticization of public administration to reduce party-affiliated appointments. The project was introduced via a resolution by the IRMEX association.

The Portuguese Parliament has greenlit proposals from the PSD, CDS, and Chega parties to restrict current gender identity laws. The changes mandate medical partners for identity transitions and prohibit gender changes for individuals under 18. This revokes the previous model of total self-determination established under the António Costa government. Portuguese political parties approved measures regarding the disclosure of individual identities for company donors in a first vote. The CHEGA party requested a postponement of the vote, but all parties ultimately approved the measure. The rules aim to address concerns that current disclosure practices might violate privacy. The next step involves scheduling hearings for the implementation.

Portuguese authorities have expelled 11 police officers and nine military members of the National Republican Guard (GNR) over a two-month period. The move follows internal investigations into the conduct of these security officials. This development highlights ongoing disciplinary actions within Portugal's security apparatus. An international ministry has called on the Portuguese government to cease political and military support for the United States regarding the Middle East conflict. The ministry cited data suggesting possible violations of International Humanitarian Law that may constitute war crimes. The organization is demanding that Portugal assume its moral responsibility and refuse the use of its bases for these purposes. It warned that despite quieter combat, the danger to civilians remains critical.