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Drought 🥵

Heatwave strains resources as budget talks dominate headlines

Portugal is facing severe water shortages due to extreme heat affecting Europe, making it one of the most vulnerable countries. Meanwhile, political discussions are centered on the upcoming state budget, with the Socialist Party (PS) outlining its non-negotiable priorities.

The PS's conditions for approving the budget include constitutional values, pension security, and health, with the party leader rejecting any electoral pacts with other left-wing parties. Separately, investigations into alleged irregularities in public contracts and a drug trailer case continue to draw attention.

Disagreements also persist between the government and ANA regarding the opening date of a new airport. The Prime Minister's crisis management has also received a very negative assessment in a recent poll.

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Budget Negotiations and Political Priorities

The Socialist Party (PS) has outlined its key priorities for the state budget, emphasizing constitutional values and pension security. Party leader explicitly rejected forming electoral coalitions with other left-wing parties. Separately, the PS met with Prime Minister Montenegro to discuss their conditions for approving the budget, which include constitutional revision, pensions, health, and storm response.

Airport Development Disagreements

The government and ANA, the airport concessionaire, are reportedly in disagreement over the timeline for opening a new airport. ANA is proposing a 2037 opening, while the government is pushing for an earlier date, leading to a calendar misalignment.

Concerns Over Public Contracts and Investigations

An investigation into contracts awarded by the Judicial Police (PJ) revealed that only one of 17 contracts with a specific contractor was put through a public tender process. Additionally, the Public Ministry is independently investigating a drug trailer case, raising questions about evidence validity.

Prime Minister's Crisis Management Scrutinized

A recent poll conducted by DN/Aximage indicates a very negative public assessment of the Prime Minister's handling of government crises, suggesting a lack of confidence in his leadership during challenging times.

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