Stories from Portugal

The new national political commission of the Socialist Party is meeting in Lisbon for the first time since José Luís Carneiro was re-elected as party leader. The meeting follows the leadership transition within the party.

More than 1,100 new doctors have chosen not to pursue medical specialties over the last three years. The medical order and health ministries are monitoring the situation with concern. The trend is attributed to doctors being unable to enter their preferred specialties.

Former Environment Minister Arte Cordero has refused to join a newly formed commission. The decision has caused internal controversy, with Pedro Nunes Santos criticizing what he described as Socialist Party statist tendencies.

The court reached this decision on Wednesday, clearing him of 241 alleged crimes. A collective of judges criticized the Portuguese Public Ministry for procedural violence and attacks on the defendant's dignity. The judges stated the Public Ministry violated the defendant's rights of defense by subjecting him to two consecutive trials for the same facts. The sentence was increased to two to four years of suspended imprisonment during this second trial. No specific details regarding the nature of the crimes or the court's reasoning were provided in the broadcast.

Governor Alvaro Santos Pereira admitted he was informed of investment rules but chose to invest in listed companies shortly after assuming office. He stated he mistakenly believed he was only prohibited from purchasing bank shares directly.

Portuguese associations and farmers are calling for a revision of the Tagus River management agreement with Spain. The current agreement allows for monthly water volume allocations, which can lead to periods where the river flow is minimal.

The Graça funicular in Lisbon has received revalidation of its operating license from the EMT. The equipment had been closed for approximately seven months following the Milvador da Glória accident.

The municipality of Oliveira do Hospital recorded more than 20 occurrences following a storm last night. The incidents occurred between Largo da Graça and Rua dos Lagares. Local authorities confirmed the scope of the damage. Journalist Inês Martins interviewed the mayor, who noted the difficulty in finding alternative routes due to existing infrastructure issues. The municipality is still dealing with the aftermath of the Piodão fire from August last year and storms from earlier this year. Normalization of the affected areas may take weeks or months. Landslides caused damage to a road connecting the DAS and neighboring areas, including the Aldeia das DAS parish. Mayor José Francisco Rolo stated that reopening the road may take months. Civil protection has restricted access to the affected roads due to platform collapses.

Lisbon city council members from the left are criticizing the allocation of 75,000 euros to support two concerts. PSD councilman Diogo Mora stated that 80% of the event will be free to the public. The funding was provided to facilitate the performances. Left-wing councilors in Lisbon are criticizing municipal support for a specific event. João Ferreira of the CDU noted the event is exempt from fees, stating the decision to waive these fees was not made by the council. Leitão of the PSP has requested the cancellation of the event, describing it as a symbol of inequality in the city. The Lisbon City Council provided 75,000 euros to fund two concerts promoted by Lohad, a group directed by Gonçalo Castelo Branco. The council president denied influencing the selection process or making personal choices regarding the event.

The Coimbra Cinema House is at risk of losing its license because the municipality has not moved forward with an agreed rehabilitation plan. The municipal executive questioned the lack of progress but received no response.