Stories from Portugal

The National Commission for Monitoring the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) warned of persistent execution delays. The commission reported issues including decision-making delays and pressure on final beneficiaries. Currently, 37 investments are classified as being in a concerning or critical state. The government has been distracted from the PRR, focusing more on the 'PTRR' instead. This situation represents an aggravation of the PRR's status, with only four months remaining. The Socialist Party (PS) wants to hear Pedro Domingos in Parliament regarding the execution of the Recovery and Resilience Plan. Pedro Dominginhos, president of the PRR Monitoring Commission, stated that rising inflation could create difficulties for the recovery and resilience plan. He noted the plan is already being affected by the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Approximately 1,500 children formed a giant blue human chain at Quinta das Conchas in Lisbon on Thursday. The initiative aims to promote the prevention of child abuse. The event was reported as part of a news segment by journalist João Vazgo.

Three heavy vehicles were involved in a highway accident between Alhandra and Coimbra-Norte in Portugal. Traffic has resumed and the road is open. An accident involving three heavy vehicles occurred on the highway between Mira de Alhada and Coimbra Norte.

Portugal's inflation rate accelerated to 3.4 percent in April, representing a 0.7 percentage point increase from March. Chega leader André Ventura stated the executive branch did not prepare the country for this price increase. The Socialist Party leader is scheduled to join UGT celebrations for Labor Day tomorrow. Politician André Ventura stated the executive branch failed to protect Portuguese citizens from this economic scenario. Ventura continues to advocate for the implementation of IVA-0 measures. Inflation reached 3.4 percent during this month, according to the report. The Chega party has advocated for the application of zero VAT on essential goods to combat rising costs. Meanwhile, the government is revising its 2026 accounts and has lowered economic growth targets for the current year, now projecting a zero balance.

Mayors from 13 councils, including Alcochet, Alenquer, Almada, and Setúbal, have requested meetings with all parliamentary groups in the Assembly. The officials aim to discuss the closure of obstetric emergency services in Vila Franca de Xira. The emergency department in Vila Franca de Xira closed permanently in March. Pregnant women are now being redirected to other facilities. The request was made via a joint statement from the mayors of the Vila Franca de Xira area and the Setúbal Peninsula inter-municipal community. A joint statement was released by the local leaders regarding the closure.

A coffee brand is doubling its production capacity at a factory in Campo Maior. The investment aims to accelerate the brand's international growth. The group stated the move reinforces its position as the largest roaster in the Iberian Peninsula.

Novo Banco reported profits exceeding 200 million euros in the first quarter. This represents a 13.2 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The bank released these figures in a statement this morning. The financial results were disclosed on Thursday morning.

The Indie Lisboa film festival features a program of more than 240 films. The festival maintains a retrospective component as part of its identity, according to Susana Santos Rodríguez.

Total reported capital gains reached 929 million euros during the first three months of the year. This represents a 153 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The rise is attributed to the impact of increasing prices for crude oil and refined products.

The National Political Commission of the PS met in Lisbon following the re-election of José Luiz Carneiro as Secretary-General. Former minister Arte de Cordero declined to join the body.