Stories from Portugal

The Confederation of Portuguese Business announced it is willing to waive several proposals to facilitate a tripartite agreement. The meeting will involve the government, employers, and labor unions. The announcement was made during a social concertation meeting.

The replacement of the Interilhas submarine cable has been delayed due to excessive bureaucracy. The project involves critical fiber optic infrastructure connecting mainland Portugal, the Azores, and Madeira. The new target date for the start of the replacement is 2029, according to the source.

The number of unemployed people in Portugal increased by 6.1% compared to the previous quarter, according to the National Institute of Statistics. Between January and March, the unemployed population reached an estimated 346,300 people.

Construction on a wall in Trancoso, Guarda, is endangering the local population of black storks. The species is considered a wild bird under threat due to the ongoing works. The report was made during a TSF forum.

Galp confirmed a discharge occurred at a decommissioned refinery in Matozinhos. The company also detected an occurrence in a deactivated infrastructure in Lessa da Palmeira. Galp stated the former refinery is currently in a mitigation phase and poses no risk.

Security operations for the Rally of Portugal begin today ahead of the event starting tomorrow. The World Rally Championship event is organized by the Automóvel Clube de Portugal. The GNR is responsible for the security component of the race.

A group of activists is demonstrating in Castelo Branco to demand greater transparency from the Portuguese Environment Agency. The protesters are specifically questioning the construction process of mega photovoltaic plants in the Barabá region. Organizers claim that information has been denied to civil society. Protesters marched in Castelo Branco today to demand information regarding two solar power plants located in Beira Baixa. The Platform for the Defense of the Tejo International Natural Park is requesting that the Portuguese Environment Agency release negative reports concerning the facilities. The demonstration occurred as part of a transparency campaign, according to the source. Local populations are contesting the developments, but the APA has not yet disclosed the documents.

FC Porto has exercised a purchase option for defender Kivior from Arsenal. The transfer fee is 17 million euros plus 5 million euros in performance-based objectives. The player has signed a contract through 2030 with a 70 million euro release clause.

The band Chão Maior, consisting of Norberto Lobo, Ricardo Martins, Juan Tembe, Leonor Arnaud, and João Almeida, will perform at the Centro Cultural de Belém in Lisbon on May 8. The performance is scheduled for 20:00. Singer Manana is scheduled to perform a concert on May 12 at the Teatro da Trindade in Lisbon. The event is described as a presentation concert.

Artist Nininho Vaz Maia has released a new album titled Sei Loco. The artist stated the project focuses on affirmation, identity, and truth.