TOP ELECTION INTERUPTED

Round two of Portugal’s Presidential Election scheduled for this Sunday has been partially postponed because of the extremely severe weather conditions.

 

The impending run-off between Antonio Jose Seguro of the centre-left Socialists (PS), and Andre Ventura founder of the right-wing Chega party, was partially called off on Friday, largely because of Ventura’s concerns about the impact of the weather on voting. His request for a total postponement was rejected. Much of the vote will instead be held in a week’s time, though it may not be delayed in some municipalities.

 

 Seguro got the most votes in round one of the election last month with an insufficient majority to avoid a run-off. The odds seem to favour Seguro, especially as the Socialists have formed many alternative governments opposing the centre-right Social Democrats since the Cultural Revolution that ousted the dictatorship and restored democracy in 1974.

 

A surprise presidential win by Chega would put it on track along with the increasing appeal of right-wing populists in various European countries, as well as in the United Kingdom where the Reform Party may well succeed the deeply troubled  Labour Party.

 

The violent winds and persistent heavy rain that has caused extreme flooding across much of the country seems to have subsided, but more could come. Storm Marta ripped across Portugal and into Spain on Saturday following a devastat8int week by Storm Leonardo. Thousands of civil protection, police and other specialised officers are on standby to help with any more weather crises impacting on the final presidential voting.

 

 

 

 

WORSE WEATHER ON THE WAY

Storm Leonardo has brought heavy rain, rising rivers and serious flooding to Portugal this week, and worse may be to come as the country braces for storm Marta this weekend.

 

Some of the most serious flooding has been in the Tagus region,

South of Lisbon, in the Alentejo, as well as the Algarve.

 

The Civil Protection Agency issued a red alert for the Tagus basin as waterflow there doubled. This was due to sudden dam discharges.

 

South of Lisbon, homes had to be evacuated, and schools closed as the storm continued to smash across both Portugal and Spain.

 

In the Algarve, the fierce winds, continuing rain and pounding seas have necessitated  rescue operations and caused many road blockages due to landslides and fallen trees.

 

Emergence servicesremain on full alert.  

STORM KRISTIN WREAKS HAVOC

 

It is far from clear what lies ahead weatherwise.

 

Day one was bad enough, but day two was much more destructive    due to the still raging storm Kristin, more rain and far greater flooding.

 

One of the hardest hit cities was Silves in the Algarve were the water thundered down from the upstream reservoir and topped the trunks of trees, engulfed the riverbanks and submerged riverside municipal gardens and the city’s main road., closing businesses and homes.

 

Wind gusts of 178 Km were recorded elsewhere in Portugal before monitoring equipment was destroyed.

More than 850,000 people lost power on Wednesday, according to electricity distributor E-Redes.

 

At least five people have died in an event that the government has described as “ an extreme climatic event".

 

Yet more rain is forecast, but it remains to be seen  how harmful his will be in the coming days.

FLOODED ROADS, MORE TO COME

So much rain in recent weeks forced the closure of 25 national and municipal roads in Portugal from 7 am today,

Tuesday.

 

The closures were due to either flooding or landslides, mainly in northern and central regions, according to the National Republican Guard (GNR).

More flooding is expected in the days ahead in parts of the country including the districts of  Lisbon, Faro, Porto, Beja, Evora, Santarem, Coimbra, Setubal, Leiria, Alvaro, Vila Real, Vana do Castelo, Castelo Branco, Vase, Braga and Barranca

The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere issued red alerts for exceptionally rough seas.

 

Storms with extremely high winds have been battering Portugal. The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection reported 490 incidents between midnight and 7.45 am today, mostly involving flooding and fallen trees.  During the night 1,964 and 64 vehicles were deployed across the country, though apparently no  emergency  treatment was needed.

 

 

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

 

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa

Antonio Jose Seguro of the centre-left Socialist Party (PS) has won Portugal’s presidential election but by an insufficient margin to avoid a second-round run-off with Andre Ventura of the far-right Chega party on 8 February

 

It was an unexpected victory by Seguro as Ventura had been widely predicted in opinion polls to win if only by a small percentage of votes.

 

Fourteen candidates, independent s well as leaders from all the political parties, vied for the presidency.

 

It is a non-executive position, but as head of state the president carries significant moderating power during any tie of crisis and is head of the armed forces.

 

The incumbent Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, a politician, academic and Portugal’s 20th president, has served in the role since 2016 having been re-elected three times. He abandoned his position in the centre-right Social Democratic Party to concentrate on being politically neutral.

 

 

HOUSE PRICES IN PORTUGAL

 

Amid Portugal’s on-going “housing crisis,” the latest reports say that Portugal recorded the second highest year-on-year house price rise (17.7%) in Europe in the third quarter of 2025. The European Union average was 5.3%, according to Eurostat, the statistical office of the EU.

Prices are highest in the major cities, Lisbon and Porto. The per square meter prices in 2025 in Lisbon were about €5,900, and in Porto around €3,900.  Inland prices were much lower, many at €1,500, some under €700 per square meter. Between €3,500 and €4,500 are the likely asking prices in places in the extremely popular Algarve.

Portuguese families are the main overall buyers, but much foreign demand, especially for luxury accommodation, is coming from the United States, Brazil, Britain, France and Germany.

Portugal’s housing crisis is because residents find the cost of purchases or rentals is being far outpaced by wages and the general cost of living. Despite government efforts to increase affordable accommodation, the younger generation in particular are suffering. 

The Minister of Infrastructure has just acknowledged that the long-running crisis cannot be resolved ‘overnight’ but claims that a new legislative package will bring purchase prices down and encourage renting. 

 

PORTUGAL CONDEMNS U.S

Presidential candidates in Portugal have condemned America’s intervention in Venezuela and its aggressive attitude towards Greenland.

 

This was the main topic of discussion when the candidates officially launched their campaigns on Sundy. Most of them described America’s actions, including the arrest of President Maduro, as a “violation of international law.” 

 

Protesters have taken to the streets of Lisbon to denounce the US actions which they regard as entirely illegal. Slogans displayed during the protests included “Latin America is not the United States’ backyard.”  Protesters have also demanded that President Trump pull back from his announced hopes in Greenland.

 

There is concern though some reassurances about the wellbeing of the Portuguese community in Venezuela.

 

AS for Trumps’s extraordinary wish to make Greenland part of the United States, this is strongly opposed by Portugal and the rest of the European NATO countries. Greenland is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark and only the Danish government and Greenland people can decide its future.

 

If Trump and his associates do not agree and illegally occupy Greenland, the future of NATO and security in the western world will be at stake. 

 

On Tuesday, the Portuguese government signed a European declaration on Greenland’s autonomy and the need to maintain security in the Arctic following Trump’s threats.

SUNSHINE RETURNING SOON

 

Yellow weather warnings are currently in place due to heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas in several parts of Portugal including the districts of Lisbon, Coimbra and Faro, but sunshine is forecast to come back in the next few days.

According to the Portuguese Institute of the sea and atmosphere, the month of March last year was exceptionally wet. Significant rainfalls returned in the latter part of the year and on into the start of this year. Winds have been gusting at 80 – 110 km/hr especially in mountainous areas. Waves in the rough seas have been reaching 2.5 metres along the coast of the Algarve.

Winter weather will prevail, but is likely to settle down into more normal patterns.

 

URGENT AIRPORT DEBATE

Portugal’s Socialist Party (PS) has called for an urgent parliamentary debate about the centre-tight government’s plan to suspend the European border control arrangement at Lisbon airport. The centre-left Socialists have been highly critical of the government’s handling of border issues, accusing it of “unpreparedness” and “incompetence.” This, the PS is claiming, has led to chaos among passengers at the Lisbon airport terminal.  

 

AIRPORT ACTIONS u[DATE

 

 

The Portuguese government has suspended its relatively new entry-exit border system for nom-EU citizens after weeks of chaos for arrivals at Lisbon airport from non-Schengen counties.

 

Quite separately, strike plans by baggage handlers at all major Portuguese airports have been called off. The strike had been expected to proceed from December 31 to January 1 causing much disruption and delays if not some flight cancellations.

Travellers should keep checking to make sure that this situation remains stable. 

MAJOR FLIGHT DUSRUPTIONS

 The year is ending with disruptions for travelers to and from all of Portugal’s major airports.  A nationwide strike from Wednesday December 31 to Thursday January 1 is expected to affect flights to and from Lisbon, Faro Porto, Madeira and Porto Santo. Delays for domestic and international are expected for check-in services, baggage loading and unloading and aircraft turnaround times.   Ground handling workers are going on strike in protest over “uncertainty over job security” due to the Civil Aviation Authority tender for ground handling licences.   Not all flights are expected to be cancelled, but passengers are advised to keep well informed.    We will keep reporting here on any important strike developments.    By the way:  We’re back here again after the postponement to focus on my latest book, which is now being edited prior to publication. 

EU election’s impact on climate action

During and in the immediate aftermath of the European Parliamentary elections, most voters seem to have been preoccupied with what they consider the most pressing issues in their own country, namely the cost of living, immigration and defence.

Since then, it has become clearer that the existential threat of global warming will be partly helped, but also hindered, by the election results.

It will be helped that the two climate conscious centrist groups have an overall majority in the new parliament.  Ursula Von Der Leyen, the incumbent centrist leader of the EU Commission, the organisation’s top authority, is a firm believer in the bloc’s ‘Green Deal’ to do all possible to tackle the climate crisis and achieve net zero CO2 emissions as targeted. Portugal is among Europe’s most supportive countries in that goal with the elimination of fossil fuels.

The overall turnout for the elections was just over 50%^, about the same as in 2019. In Portugal, only 36.5% of eligible voters went to the polls. It was an even lower turnout elsewhere. This, and the fact that the Green parties did so badly in the elections, will hinder climate activism.

The Greens fell from fourth to sixth overall in the parliament by losing a third of their seats since the last elections in 2019. The loss was mainly in France and Germany, it is thought that the losses were due not only to the big gains by the far-right, but also because many younger voters did not vote at all.

Another setback has been the results for the European Renew party, which lost 23 seats and is reduced to 79, though it is still the third largest party after the two centrist groups.

The shift to far-right populism during the EU elections was particularly strong in Germany and France. It could make it much more difficult o progress with Green Deal policies, which may fizzle though not be ditched

The Green Deal, first announced in 2019, aims to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions levels by at least 55% by2030, compared to 1990 levels.

Climate scepticism seems to have been substantially increasing in Europe in recent years while more attention is focused on worries about the cost of living, in the face of inflation, immigration, especially from the Middle East and other non-EU countries, and defence due to Russia’s aggression.

As summer approaches, we are again going to be challenged by alarming if not cataclysmic temperature rises and associated extreme environmental disasters.

Grim news, but we must face the truth.

EXISTENTIAL CLIMATE RISK

Reviews claim that the 193 countries plus the European Union attending the latest United Nations conference on climate change failed to curtail the risk of an existential catastrophe.

COP30 in Brazil closed with disagreements, especially regarding the use of fossil fuels.

While relatively insignificant on the global stage, Portugal is among the most advanced in promoting renewable sources of energy and eliminating all fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas.

Positive aspects of the latest conference were the establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund aimed at helping developing countries with the impact of climate change. A calmer attitude was also adopted towards the many thousands of Indigenous-led protesters in the streets of the Brazilian capital, Belém, demanding urgent climate change action with the phase-out of fossil fuels.

However, there was a very significant number of fossil fuel lobbyists at the conference, and notable absences particularly from the United States whose president is famously in denial about climate change.

More than 30 years of talks since the supposedly pivotal Paris climate summit, greenhouse gas emissions are still expanding — and thus global temperatures are still rising. The 1.5 °C level has been dangerously passed.

While there was much resistance to progress, there was also “a clamour for change inside the COP30 climate negotiations,” according to the Reuters News Agency.

Forbes has been emphasising how people aged 30 and under are investigating and developing possible climate solutions.

Another COP critic says, “we need to turn away from jamborees around negotiations into really focused efforts to accelerate implementation,” one European negotiator said. “This is probably the last of the old COP and the beginning of the new.

GETTING RID OF PLASTICS

Now that the severe Storm Claudia has passed leaving much flooding, property and tree damage, and even deaths and injuries, Portugal must calmly look forward to another national problem in the months ahead.

 

The government will introduce a plastic bottle return (PBR) scheme on April 10th next year. The system will apply to single-use plastic bottles and aluminium or steel cans containing up to three litres.

 

It means that people will pay a deposit every time they buy such a beverage container and then receive their deposit back on returning it.

Supermarkets and food retail shops throughout mainland Portugal, as well as on the autonomous islands of Madeira and the Azores, will be involved.

 

The PDR scheme has been long delayed in being properly implemented in Portugal. However, at long last it will now follow the example set in 50 other countries, some of which, such as Germany, already have over 90% returns. The scheme is expected to grow rapidly next year in Portugal and include all types of plastic packaging.

 

For now, Portugal is cutting plastic use by banning such single-use items as plastic cutlery, plates, and polyester cups. It has also imposed a tax on non-reusable packaging. Businesses are being prompted through increasing legislation to make all types of plastics re-usable, recyclable or compostable.  Local communities and various organisations are busy implementing clean-ups and educational awareness programmes. 

 

 

SEVERE ATMOSPHERIC STORM

The severe solar and geomagnetic storms currently affecting much of Europe and North America are due to disturbances in the sun’s magnetic field.

Such storms can cause short or long-term power cuts and electronic communication disruptions. Longer blackouts occur when copper connectivity fails and damages equipment in the telecom networks.

 

On the positive side, solar storms produce beautiful auroras (northern lights) provided of course the night sky is relatively clear. Such lights have been seen in parts of  Portugal in the last few days.

Shortly after 10 pm on Tuesday November 11th an intense solar flare was observed. It was followed less than an hour later by a massive coronal ejection with a speed estimated to be around 1500 kilometres per second, arriving on earth the following evening or early next morning, according to several university analysists.

The geometric storm may continue to affect power grids, satellites and navigation systems, but the experts say it does not pose a direct biological risk to people.

The European Space Agency is closely monitoring this unusual space weather event and will keep us updated.  

AN INTERNATIONAL SPECIALIST ON IMMIGRATION ISSUES RESPONDS

 

 

Marla Barret

 

The issue of hate speech and hate crime is not just an issue of legal framework, but also one of societal values. As you rightly point out in your recent article Len,, the rise of hate speech, especially targeting marginalized groups like immigrants, racial minorities, and women, has been a growing concern across Europe, not only in Portugal.

The measures being introduced by the Judicial Police in Portugal are an encouraging step forward, but the reality remains that many hate crimes go unreported, which suggests there are deeper societal issues at play. The gap between prosecutions and unreported crimes speaks to the difficulty in addressing these deeply ingrained prejudices. This highlights the need for a more proactive approach, not just in law enforcement, but also in education and community outreach.

It's also crucial to recognize the connection between economic and social tensions and the rise of xenophobia. As you mention, the frustration that many local residents feel over housing and job competition can sometimes manifest as scapegoating of immigrant populations. While these issues are valid and deserve attention, it's important to avoid conflating economic insecurity with justifiable hatred. Tackling the root causes, like the housing crisis and inflation, can go a long way toward reducing the fertile ground in which hate speech can thrive.

Finally, the rise of political movements like Chega reminds us of the challenges that come with increasing nationalism and anti-immigrant rhetoric. In these times, it’s more important than ever to ensure that policies and public discourse promote inclusion and solidarity rather than division and exclusion. The EU-funded anti-hate crime project, alongside the collaboration with civil society, is a promising initiative that could set a strong example for how countries can collectively address this pressing issue.

It’s heartening to see that the Portuguese government is starting to take these matters more seriously, but as you rightly suggest, we must continue to push for comprehensive legislation that tackles both the immediate effects of hate speech and crime, and the deeper social divisions that fuel them.

EFFORTS TO PREVENT HATE CRIME

 

The national Judicial Police (PJ) have announced stronger measures to tackle the increasing problem of hate speech and hate crime in Portugal.

Much of the hate is racist, religious or   misogynistic  directed at immigrants in this country.

Hate speech is verbal or written expressions that attack or insult individuals or groups, while hate crimes are of a similar but more offensive  nature. They are both of growing concern not only to the legal authorities, but to the wider public.

Public concerns include the gap between the number of prosecutions and the high number of unreported hate crimes. Although speech offences are punishable with up to five years imprisonment, official data remains unclear. The number of speech and crime offences are believed to have increased significantly over the past five years.

The latest initiatives will involve the close coordination of different law enforcement sectors and improve victim support.

The PJ is closely aligned with an EU-funded anti-hate crime project, as well as civil society, academic and various other organisations working to greatly quash hatred.

Portugal does not yet have a unified hate crime law but it includes it in existing legislation against violence.

The ruling centre-right democratic alliance in the Portuguese Parliament has introduced stricter control over immigration.

The strongest advocate for greater anti-immigrant action is the right-wing Chega (Enough) party that is enjoying significantly rising public support. Chega is particularly opposed to Portugal’s increasing thousands of resident Romanies (gypsies). The backlash seems to extend to many other immigrant ethnic groups, including those from Brazil, former Portuguese colonies in Africa, Ukraine, EU countries such as Poland and France, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Chega’s irritation is that all sorts of immigrants are renting or buying homes while  local  Portuguese residents face the unresolved  housing crisis. Many foreigners are able to depend on greater  financial resources while locals battle on with latest  inflation rates of between 2.4% to 2.8%. Even low-income foreign workers are disliked because they take jobs from local Portuguese workers.

One of the most significant movements of people has included the return of many Portuguese residents from the United States who feel unwanted or worse by supporters of Donald Trump’s administration. 

                              CHARITY HELP AVAILABLE

 

ALZHEIMER

PORTUGAL

Alzheimer Portugal is a nationwide organisation created more than 30 years ago specifically to promote the quality of life for people with dementia, as well as their families and carers.

It is there for you should you need their professional advice.

Alzheimer Portugal actively participates with its European and worldwide partners to gather and disseminate the latest information about dementia.

Website:

https://alzheimerportugal.org

Email:

info@alzheimerportugal.org

Phone

Lisbon: +351 21 361 04 60

Portimão: 96276 690

Lagoa: 965 276 69

                                         MADRUGADA

This unique Algarve organisation provides a home-based, end-of-life palliative nursing care service for people wishing to spend their final days professionally cared for in their own home.

Established in 2009, they are now renowned for the excellence of palliative care, which is provided free of charge.

Based in Praia da Luz in the western Algarve, their specialist clinical teams work extensively to help people, and those important to them, manage the challenges of life-limiting illnesses through counselling, therapeutic and creative activities, complementary therapies, advice, and education.

Phone

+351 282 61 375

Email: admin@madrugada-portugal.com

 

The more donations they receive, the more their specialist volunteers are able to care for the community

ANTI-TRUMP “NO KINGS” PROTESTS

Americans visiting or living in Portugal took part in “No Kings” protests on Saturday, 18 October, in line with protests across the United States opposing President Donald Trump and his policies.

 

The protests in America took place in more than 2,500 locations across the country, with millions of people taking part to denounce Trump’s agenda. All of the protests were peaceful.

 

The main protest rally in Portugal took place in Lisbon on Saturday afternoon. What is being challenged is Trump’s “authoritarianism” — his belief that his rule is absolute and thus superior to normal democracy.

 

Trump supporters have accused the protesters of being allied with a far-left movement. Among other things, top Democrats argue that it is simply wrong to send armed soldiers, as Republicans have been doing, to control peaceful protesters, this is what “kings and dictators do.”

 

The previous and strongest protests were in June this year. They are expected to intensify in the months ahead.

 

FAR-RIGHT FALLS WELL SHORT

Portugal’s far-right Chega party dominated the headlines in an unexpected way following last Sunday’s local elections.

Instead of overwhelming opponents as predicted, it had far less success with local voters than in the national election nine months ago.

The ruling centre-right Social Democratic Alliance (AD) won in 136 municipalities on Sunday, including in the two largest cities, Lisbon and Porto. That was up from 114 in the local elections four years ago. The centre-left Social Democrats (PS) came second with 128. Chega had hoped for 30 but managed only three, Albufeira in the Algarve being one of them. Chega failed even to reach the number of independent candidates, who won 20 municipalities, or the Communist party’s 12.  

Chega’s leader Andre Ventura was remarkably optimistic as his recently formed party has just won its very first mayoral seats, thus adding it locally to the national stage.   

Despite its shortcomings in Sunday’s elections, Chega almost tripled its share of the votes from the previous local elections in 2012. This led Ventura, to declare the latest results a "great victory" for his party, which has expanded somewhat to become a party with a municipal base. It won the second largest number of seats in the last general election and thus became the official opposition party in parliament after overturning decades of bipartisan politics.

Ventura could become Portugal’s next prime minister if Chega win the next snap election, which will be the third in three years.