Stories from Portugal

Seven hospitals within a Lisbon health unit have increased their power autonomy to 24 hours using generators. The São José local health unit has achieved one day of autonomy, which remains below the three-day recommendation from a parliamentary working group. Gonçalo Costa Martins reported on these capacity changes. SNS Executive Director Alvaro Santos Almeida previously acknowledged in parliament in March that there was no preparation for 72-hour autonomy. Most units managed to resolve supply issues locally, though Lisbon faced difficulties. The specific reinforcements made to other hospitals were not clarified. The director noted that very few units were prepared for three days of self-sufficiency.

Benfica is expected to receive an additional 1 million euros following the sale of Vitor Roque. The club's total revenue from the deal is projected to reach 68.5 million euros because the English team involved has secured Champions League participation for next year. The source noted the transaction is tied to the club's financial standing and upcoming European competition.

The Lisbon metro system is currently closed, including both entrances at Picó. The congestion is affecting the route toward Santo and continues to cause delays. Two Lisbon metro entrances in Picões were closed with gates locked down, preventing passengers from entering or exiting. The interruption was reported by journalist Teresa Correia. Circulation on the Lisbon metro will be suspended between the Rússio and Caio do Sul-Dré stations on the Green Line. The suspension is scheduled to occur from May 2 to May 5. The service disruption is due to works on the circular line. A traffic accident occurred on Calçada da Carris in Lisbon. The incident is causing queues starting from the IC 22 near the Ramada area. Queues extend from the Ex Norte Sul to Calvalhas on the Segunda Circular heading toward Porto. An accident in Alfragide is currently in the resolution phase.

Portuguese Bank of Investment recorded results in 2025 and distributed dividends to shareholders for the first time in many years. The bank also expects to advance the first Sablo-Coin in Portugal by the end of June. Additionally, a project for the tokenization of real assets is expected in Portugal by the end of this year. The bank does not currently foresee any impact from the Middle East conflict on its 2025 activity. The institution expects the current war scenario to be resolved in the coming weeks. Management noted the move helps consolidate new business operations.

VisumBank plans to complete the merger of its crypto-asset subsidiary by the end of June 2016. CEO António Enriquez stated the bank is pursuing tokenization projects to comply with new market regulations. The bank is currently working on two announced projects to achieve this convergence. Enriquez expects the first Sablo-Coin in Portugal to advance by the end of June. Additionally, the bank aims to launch its first real-asset tokenization project in Portugal by the end of the year.

A report from the National Strategy for the Integration of People in Homeless Situations has raised questions regarding children living on the streets in Portugal. An urgent response is required according to the source. Currently, approximately 74,000 children receive family poverty assistance in the country. Approximately 74,000 children currently receive family allowance aid. Portuguese architect Eduardo Soto de Mora is set to receive the gold medal from the International Union of Architects. This group is part of a larger population of approximately 74,000 children receiving aid. Energy specialist Pedro Sampaio Nunes stated that the national energy and climate plan goals are unrealistic for the country to achieve. The plan includes increasing energy storage capacity through batteries to prevent blackouts. The government has reinforced the plan, but it remains in the regulatory phase.

The Minister of the Presidency admitted to the Portuguese Parliament that the government acted with improvisation during a recent blackout. The discussion includes whether the country is prepared for a similar large-scale power event. Hospital administrator Xavier Barreto identified the absence of emergency contingency plans as a primary failure in the healthcare system. Barreto said the need for better coordination between hospitals and civil protection services. He also called for increased energy autonomy for medical facilities. Most health units currently fall short of the recommended 72-hour autonomy standard. The committee aims to mitigate economic impacts caused by rising fuel costs and potential disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz. The move follows warnings regarding the economic repercussions of the Iran conflict.

Xavier Barreto, president of the Portuguese Association of Hospital Administrators, is calling for the implementation of suggestions from a parliamentary working group report regarding a recent blackout. The proposal aims to enhance preparedness within the healthcare system. Diogo Miguel Pereira, President of the Portuguese Association of Hospital Administrators, is advocating for simulations of new blackouts to improve health unit responses. A working group has been established to consider the resilience capacity of Ministry of Health infrastructure. This follows a blackout one year ago that left the country without electricity for 12 hours. The President of the Regional Government of the Azores stated the government must view the electricity base differently due to its geopolitical importance.

Active corruption charges against former Portuguese Prime Minister José Sócrates and Armando Vara are expected to expire by the end of this week. Passive corruption charges are scheduled to reach their statute of limitations during June. The report follows a review of measures to mitigate social vulnerability for children in Portugal. José Sócrates and Hermano Varão are expected to be cleared of passive corruption charges by June due to the statute of limitations. Additionally, active corruption charges related to the Val do Lobo development may expire as early as this week. The charges are linked to a specific development project.

A technical advisory group created by Environment Minister Maria da Graça has concluded that the Portuguese electrical system requires more investment to prevent future blackouts. The report points to serious coordination flaws among various entities. Environment and Energy Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho stated that most European recommendations were being applied in Portugal during a recent blackout. The minister noted that actions taken by Portugal are being discussed for integration with the Spanish electrical system agenda. A group of 10 experts advised the government and reported on potential deficiencies in the Portuguese grid. The minister noted that these measures were included in existing electricity development and investment plans. Portugal managed to restore normalcy quickly without third-party assistance, according to the report.