WEDNESDAY BRIEFING

 Behind this week's headlines

Madeleine search

The search at the Arade reservoir near Silves for remains of Madeleine McCann began yesterday and is continuing today. The search is expected continue tomorrow. German police with the full cooperation of Portuguese police, and British police in attendance, are hoping to find conclusive evidence that the German sex offender Christian Bruckner killed Madeleine in 2007. Bruckner, who frequented the area being searched, denies any involvement in Madeleine’S disappearance.   

Economic deficit to surplus

The Bank of Portugal announced on Monday that the Portuguese economy showed an external surplus of €996 million in the first quarter of this year compared with a €1.54 billion deficit in the same period last year. Inflation is expected to remain below 3% at least for several months in the second half of this year.

Unemployment down

The government announced on Monday that the number of unemployed people registered at job centres fell in April by 3.5% compared with the previous month, and by 6% year-on-year.

Football investigations

The Attorney General’s office has revealed that six investigations are underway and that the Public Prosecuter’s Office is looking into  Portugal’s three top clubs – Benfica, Sporting and FC Porto – regarding deals worth more than €228 million.

Pope to visit Fatima

It is now clear that while on his 5-day visit to Portugal to celebrate World Youth Day in Lisbon, Pope Francis will go to the Sanctuary of Fatima. He will arrive in Lisbon on August 2, visit Fatima on August 5 and return to Rome on August 6, the World Youth Day Foundation has announced.

Atlantic countries meet

The Portuguese government yesterday in Porto hosted a meeting of representatives from European Atlantic countries to “strengthen the Western vision of the European Union and the future of Europe,” in the words of the Portuguese secretary of state for European affairs.  He stressed the importance of the ocean in the ecological and digital transition.

Bildebergeg report

A report is probably now in circulation among the political, business, financial and academic elite who attended the private Bindeberg meeting in the Pestana Palace Hotel last week. The report will not be seen by anyone other than those who attended this or previous Bildeberg meetings.

Naval ungrading announced

The chief of staff of the Portuguese navy says there has been an operational, structural and generic renewal that has brought about significant change to the navy. This has been furthered by the defence minister launching a tender for the acquisition of six new patrol vessels.

Alagoas Brancas protest

Members of the Save Lagoas Brancas movement held a demonstration at the offices of the Algarve Commission for Coordination and Regional Development (CCRD) in Faro on Monday.  They intend to continue their relentless opposition to a plan by the Lagoa City Council to allow the destruction of the Alagoas Brancas wetland to be replaced by new commercial buildings. The movement is appealing for more supporters.