Portugal — FrontPages.eu

Parties propose rent caps and pension hikes in budget fight

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The 2027 State Budget, having passed general approval, has now entered its "specialty phase," with political parties actively proposing specific amendments. Key proposals include measures to cap rents and increase pensions, marking a new stage in the legislative process following earlier rejections of opposition proposals.

Meanwhile, Lisbon is grappling with significant healthcare delays, with patients facing an average of 369 days for a bed in long-term care facilities. This comes as Portugal also faces international pressure at the COP31 climate conference to enhance climate financing and accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.

On the economic front, fuel prices have seen their largest drop in four and a half years, offering some relief. Additionally, new regulations mandate banks to refund customers for digital fraud unless gross negligence can be proven on the client's part.

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2027 Budget Enters Specialty Phase with New Proposals

The 2027 State Budget, presented by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, has passed its general approval and is now in the "specialty phase." Political parties are proposing amendments, including measures to limit rent prices and increase pensions.

Lisbon Faces Year-Long Continuing Care Waits

Patients in the Greater Lisbon area are experiencing significant delays, with average waits of 369 days for a bed in a long-term care facility. By the end of 2025, nearly two thousand individuals were awaiting admission into the continuing care network.

Público Lisbon Faces Year-Long Waits for Continuing Care ↗

Police Actions in Porto Lead to Injuries, Journalist Assaults

An incident occurred in Porto involving police using batons, resulting in head and genital injuries, and assaults on journalists.

Público Porto Incident: Beatings, Head and Genital Injuries, Journalist Assaults ↗

Portugal Pressed on Climate Finance at COP31

At the COP31 climate conference, Portugal faces pressure to increase climate financing and accelerate the phasing out of fossil fuels. ZERO is urging the government to establish a climate financing plan and set deadlines for eliminating gas in electricity production, as well as promoting greater Lusophone cooperation.

Diário de Notícias Portugal pressured at COP31 to boost climate finance and abandon fossil fuels ↗

Storm Bruna and Azores Seismic Activity

Storm Bruna is expected to bring three critical periods, with two districts already under orange alert, and a new depression is forecast for Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Azores have experienced a seismic crisis since late October, with over 100 tremors attributed to tectonic faults and ongoing volcanic activity since 2022.