Archived edition · October 15, 2026 Today's news →

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Lufthansa wins TAP bid as government eyes total sale

Lufthansa has won the bid for the privatization of TAP, with the government selecting the German airline to acquire 44.9% of the Portuguese carrier. Plans are already in motion for a complete sale of TAP's share capital. Lufthansa's highest offer was reportedly decisive, also including a proposal for state shares and a pilot school in Tancos.

Meanwhile, housing protests in Porto escalated into confrontations, with demonstrators reporting 37 injuries, including a person with a disability. The Housing Movement in Porto has denounced the police intervention as violent, with several participants requiring hospitalization.

In other domestic news, Mário Mourão was re-elected as Secretary-General of the UGT trade union, and André Ventura, Leader of the Opposition, is set to be summoned to testify before a Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPI). Over half of the Portuguese population reportedly lost purchasing power in the last 12 months, and the Socialist Party (PS) has indicated it will not approve another State Budget if the government insists on its labor reform.

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Lufthansa Wins Bid for TAP Privatization

Lufthansa has been selected as the winning bidder for the privatization of TAP, with the government initially choosing the airline to acquire 44.9% of the company. The government is reportedly already planning a complete sale of the Portuguese airline's share capital, with Lufthansa's offer being decisive due to factors including a proposal for state shares and a pilot school in Tancos.

Porto Housing Protests Lead to Clashes, Injuries

Housing protests in Porto resulted in confrontations and a reported 37 injuries among demonstrators, including a person with a disability. The Housing Movement in Porto has accused police of violent intervention during the dispersal of the protest, with several participants requiring hospitalization.

Economic Challenges and Political Standoff on Labor Reform

More than half of the Portuguese population has experienced a decline in their purchasing power over the past year, indicating significant economic challenges. The government's planned halving of withholding tax in November is expected to impact taxpayers. Meanwhile, the Socialist Party (PS) has stated it will not approve another State Budget if the government continues with its proposed labor reform.

Mário Mourão Re-elected, Rosa Sousa Elected UGT President

Mário Mourão has been re-elected as Secretary-General of the UGT trade union for the 2026-2030 mandate, with valorization of wages and strengthening collective bargaining highlighted as key priorities. Rosa Sousa was elected as the new president of UGT.

FC Porto Loses Champions League Match

FC Porto was defeated by Betis with a score of 3-2 in a Champions League match, with the team showing resilience after a comeback but ultimately falling due to self-inflicted errors.

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