Stories from Portugal

The Portuguese Senate has approved a legislative proposal to increase penalties for crimes motivated by misogyny. The new law mandates prison sentences of two to five years and accompanying fines for such offenses. Currently, these acts are classified under lighter penalties for injury or defamation. The measure aims to provide stricter legal consequences for gender-based crimes. Hugo Motta is being pressured to bring the proposal to a vote in the Chamber of Deputies.

Pedro Carose, who is married to an Iranian woman and has a son born in Tehran, is raising 10,000 euros for five charities, including one focused on Rett syndrome. He plans to donate 2,000 euros to each organization. Carose is seeking support through his social media channels and various payment platforms. He expressed sadness about the destruction of infrastructure and the fear experienced by people in Iran due to conflict.

Carlos Carvalhas has succeeded Álvaro Cunhal as the Secretary-General of the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP). The transition follows Carvalhas's previous roles as a member of the Assembly of the Republic and a Member of the European Parliament. The announcement comes amid discussions regarding agrarian reform needs in certain regions. He succeeds the previous leadership structure involving Álvaro Cunhal, Paulo Cavaco, and Mario Galego.

Benfica secured a 4-1 victory over Moreirense at home, maintaining their pursuit of second place in the league championship. Leandro Barreiro, Rios, and Ivano Vique, who scored twice, were the goal scorers for Benfica. Diogo Travaços scored for Moreirense in the first half. Benfica's coach described the match as open until the final whistle, noting that Moreirense took risks in the second half to try and equalize. Leandro Barreiro, Richard Rios, and Ivano Vítis each scored a goal for Benfica. This win places Benfica four points ahead of Sporting CP in the league standings.

The municipality of Nazaré, Portugal, will create a new literary award named after the recently deceased jurist Laborinho Lúcio. The announcement was made by the President of the Chamber. The award honors the legacy of the local legal figure.

Virgilio Antunes, the new president of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, stated that the Catholic Church should not be used for political causes. He argued that society must forge its own path and that using faith for political support is neither fair nor. Antunes also expressed hope for a potential visit by Pope Leo XIV to Fátima in 2027, though this remains unconfirmed.

Pedro Amaral Jorge, president of the Iberian Electricity Market Operator (MIBEL), stated that electricity prices will remain stable despite the ongoing fuel crisis. He noted that 80% of electricity produced in Portugal currently comes from renewable energy sources. This renewable capacity is attracting increased investment to the country. Jorge suggested this trend could soon generate a GDP value equivalent to that of the tourism sector. This stability was guaranteed by the new president during a report by Jornal de Negócios. The announcement addresses concerns regarding energy costs in the Iberian Peninsula.

Portugal is expected to experience rising temperatures on Sunday, with a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius predicted for Santarém-Embrago. Lisbon and Coimbra are forecast to reach 28 degrees, while Vila Real, Liria, and Setúbal will see 27 degrees. Viseu is expected to reach 22 degrees, Faro 25, Porto 24, and Aveiro 24 degrees.

The Porto International Film Festival concluded its latest edition with a focus on inequality and labor conditions. The event's programming included discussions on different forms of work, programming, and various exhibitions. The festival featured ceremonies and competitions as part of its schedule.

A large crowd of demonstrators marched through the center of Porto to protest the rise of the right wing. Protesters gathered on Avenida dos Aliados, with the crowd taking nearly one hour to fully assemble. Participants shouted slogans referencing the April 5th revolution. Demonstrators said the importance of protecting the rights guaranteed by the 50-year-old constitution and advocated for labor rights.