Stories from Portugal

Thousands of people gathered in Lisbon for a demonstration, marching through the city center. Carneiro described the government's proposals as an offense to workers. The comments were made during a visit to the UGT headquarters in Jamor. Demonstrators describe the package as a declaration of war against workers. The protests occur as corporate profits reach high levels while costs for food, housing, and healthcare continue to rise. The demonstration was organized by the CGTP union and took place between Martim Moniz and Alameda. The Intersindical union is also calling for participation in a general strike scheduled for June 3 against the labor reform. CGTP Secretary-General Tiago Oliveira urged worker structures to join the protest. Thousands of people marched through the streets of Lisbon on May 1 to mark International Workers' Day.

Portuguese artist Mateus Pariso has released a new single titled 'Esquece,' which translates to 'Forget.' The song is described as an ode to detachment and addresses fleeting relationships characterized by constant arguments and problems. Pariso produced the track himself and co-wrote it with Felipe, aiming for a simple and direct message.

Violations of sexual violence in Portugal reached their highest levels in ten years during 2025. Data from the National Health Directorate and the National Health Service Executive shows violence incidents exceeded 3,000 cases in 2025. Physical violence accounted for seven cases according to the released figures. This represents a 30 percent increase compared to the previous year. More than half of these cases involved specific types of incidents, according to the DGS. Carlos Cortes, head of the Ordem dos Médicos, stated that physical violence against healthcare professionals and doctors is increasing. Cortes noted that the medical order had already perceived this rising trend in recent years. Nurses and doctors report an increase in violence directed at healthcare professionals within the National Health Service (SNS).

Actor Rui de Carvalho has been praised by Luiz Montenegro as a vertical, frontal man of democracy and equality.

Thousands of people, including large numbers of young citizens, marched through the historic center of Porto to commemorate the April 25th anniversary. The parade, which spanned approximately two kilometers, featured various slogans and emphasized the national and international importance of the day. The event drew diverse age groups to celebrate the country's democratic history.

Thousands of citizens, including families and youth, gathered on Avenida da Liberdade in Lisbon to participate in traditional April 25th parades. The demonstrations mark the anniversary of the Carnation Revolution and serve as a celebration of democracy. The event features large crowds following the historical tradition of carrying carnations. The GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana) is celebrating its anniversary by opening its doors for free visits at its Lisbon headquarters, the Carmo Barracks. The event commemorates the GNR's founding day, April 22nd. Additionally, a lottery game, 'Jogo da Mala', is offering a prize of 32,988 euros, with listeners encouraged to call in to participate.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Lisbon and Porto to participate in traditional marches commemorating the April 25 revolution. In Lisbon, participants carried carnations and marched through the city center toward Avenida dos Aliados. The marches mark the 52nd anniversary of the revolution.

Political figures are debating a labor package that critics argue aims to suppress workers' rights. Portugal's government is considering approving labor legislation despite opposition from two major trade unions. The debate centers on whether to pass such laws when the economy is acknowledged as healthy. The government aims to preserve the integrity of its democracy. Unemployment among youth is three times the general average, and precarious employment is triple the general rate. Portugal's current labor legislation is considered among the most rigid in developed countries, ranking between third and seventh most rigid globally depending on indicators. This reform proposes instruments such as the 'Banco de Horas' (hours bank) and reintegration in cases of dismissal, practices common in other European countries.

President António Costa has called for the disclosure of the origins of political party donations. This demand follows the traditional April 25th celebrations in Lisbon, which included parades at the Parliament. The President emphasized the need for clarity regarding who is financing political organizations. Recent discussions involve the President of the Assembly of the Republic contesting views that politics is transforming into a 'reality show.' Proposals suggest that declaring personal income is insufficient and that public declarations should extend to the wealth and business activities of spouses and close relatives to ensure accountability. He warned that democracy is fragile and requires constant vigilance against corruption, which undermines its foundations.

CDS Deputy João Almeida has called for courage and decisive action regarding Portugal's political direction, questioning the current hesitation to review the Constitution. She argued that parents should not be forced to deal with unnecessary bureaucracy when a child falls ill. The deputy also called for the state to better recognize the financial burden of child-rearing expenses. André Ventura announced plans to present a constitutional revision project this Thursday. The proposal aims to remove ideological content from the Portuguese Constitution. Key topics for the reform include life imprisonment and chemical castration for pedophiles. Ventura also seeks justice reform and the depoliticization of public administration to reduce party-affiliated appointments. The project was introduced via a resolution by the IRMEX association.