1. Lisbon Will Host First Edition of the Portuguese Guitar Festival
For the centenary of Carlos Paredes, Lisbon will host the first-ever Portuguese Guitar Festival on March 7th and 8th, across five prominent venues, including Cinema São Jorge, Capitólio, and Variedades. Note that Carlos Paredes was a renowned Portuguese composer and virtuoso guitarist, widely regarded as the father of Portuguese guitar music. With over 80 musicians from various generations and styles, the festival will offer a diverse program featuring concerts, lectures, and documentary screenings. The opening will feature the Orquestra Sinfonietta de Lisboa, conducted by Vasco Pearce de Azevedo, and guitarist Paulo Jorge performing the original composition “Mata de Lobos.” Throughout the festival, other performances will include recitals by Henrique Fraga, Armindo Fernandes, José Manuel Neto, Pedro Caldeira Cabral, and a special tribute to Carlos Paredes by Luísa Amaro, “Sons da Guitarra — 100 anos de Carlos Paredes.”
In addition to the concerts, the festival will include insightful lectures, such as “António Chainho interviewed by Moema Silva,” exploring the illustrious career of guitarist António Chainho, as well as a conversation with Luísa Amaro about her artistic collaboration with Paredes. A hands-on workshop on guitar-making, led by the esteemed Acácio Rodrigues and Rita Marcelino, will provide attendees with practical insight into the craft. The festival’s evenings will conclude with an open gathering and autograph session at Cinema São Jorge, giving fans and artists a chance to connect and celebrate the legacy of the legendary Carlos Paredes.
Read more from our source here.
2. Portugal Has Two of the Fifteen Best Private Schools in Europe in 2025
The latest Carfax Education Global School Index for 2025 includes two Portuguese schools: St. Julian’s in Carcavelos and St. Peter’s in Palmela. Recognized for their academic standards and university preparation, both schools stand out for offering exceptional educational experiences. St. Julian’s is known for its comprehensive facilities and focus on international education, while St. Peter’s provides a strong bilingual curriculum with an emphasis on holistic student development.
Portugal’s inclusion in this prestigious list highlights the country’s growing reputation in European education. These schools, alongside other elite institutions in Europe, have made a name for themselves with their academic rigor and their ability to prepare students for life beyond the classroom, using modern teaching approaches and facilities that match international standards.
Read more from our source here.
3. Some Portuguese Soccer Clubs Are Being Used for Money Laundering
Portuguese clubs have been implicated in laundering illicit earnings, raising serious concerns among authorities. Luís Ribeiro, coordinator of the PJ’s National Anti-Corruption Unit, explained at the FITS Forum 2025 that some clubs have seen capital enter with unclear origins and objectives. The situation is particularly troubling when large sums of money are invested in clubs by individuals whose intentions remain ambiguous, drawing attention from investigators eager to understand the end goals of such investments.
Ribeiro also highlighted the challenges faced by the PJ when dealing with financial irregularities, such as inflated contracts and commission payments to intermediaries, which serve to create the appearance of legitimate business dealings. Image rights, he pointed out, operate as undefined commodities, and money circulates in ways that are not easily traceable. These activities point to a broader issue in which money flows out of clubs without clear accountability, reflecting a pattern not limited to the sports sector, but also present in both public and private industries.
In response, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has acknowledged the gravity of these concerns. The FPF has dedicated resources to gather and verify information about investors in the clubs it licenses, whether they are true shareholders or “front men.” In addition, the FPF works closely with the PJ and other relevant authorities, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and accountability in football. This cooperation aims to ensure that clubs operate within a framework that discourages illicit activities and fosters a clean, lawful environment in Portuguese football.
Read more from our source here.
4. Startup That Offered AI Solution to INEM Reaches an Impasse
Sword Health, a Portuguese startup, offered an AI-based automatic call handling solution to INEM, the national medical emergency institute, but faced significant challenges in implementing it. Virgílio Bento, the company’s founder, expressed frustration, stating that it is “impossible to integrate” their solution into INEM’s “obsolete” and “fragile” information system. Despite the company’s efforts, the system’s technological shortcomings and “pathological aversion to change” among technicians hindered progress, with Bento warning that these issues are exacerbating the challenges faced by emergency medical technicians.
In response, the Workers’ Commission at INEM rejected the company’s claims, insisting that INEM staff are not “incapable” and defending the need for an “update of IT resources” rather than an AI system that cannot address the nuances of human analysis. The commission emphasized the importance of hiring more human resources to improve response times, asserting that “no computer system can replace a healthcare professional.” They criticized Sword Health for proposing an “impossible” solution and shifting blame to INEM and its professionals.
Despite the challenges, Sword Health demonstrated its AI solution through a video showing how it could handle emergency calls. Virgílio Bento remains hopeful that the system might improve the emergency response if implemented, though he acknowledged that integration depends on INEM. The case highlights the tensions between a fast-moving private sector and a slower, more cautious public sector, with ongoing concerns over data privacy and the feasibility of introducing AI into sensitive public health operations.
Read more from our source here.
5. Pending Immigration and Asylum Cases Total 46,824
In 2024, the Lisbon Administrative Court ended the year with 46,824 pending immigration and asylum cases, a staggering 80 times more than in 2023, mainly due to the dissolution of SEF and the creation of AIMA. The report from the Lisbon and Islands Administrative and Fiscal Courts highlights the drastic increase in cases, with 54,222 new 6th Species cases filed, which are cases in Portuguese tax procedural law related to precautionary processes. Despite efforts to conclude 7,973 cases with a special team of judges, the surge in immigration and asylum cases has overwhelmed the system, contrasting with the general trend of decreasing pending cases in the area.
The report also suggests that had it not been for the AIMA cases, the number of pending cases would have been significantly lower, and existing resources could have been better utilized elsewhere. Note that the creation of AIMA and the centralization of asylum case processing in Lisbon made the Lisbon Administrative Court the sole court responsible for these cases. Antero Pires Salvador, president of the Administrative and Fiscal Courts of Lisbon, pointed out that the overwhelming demand for resources could otherwise be addressed more efficiently if not for the current situation.
As of December 31, 2024, the courts had 91 judges, 26 more than legally required, and 16 prosecutors, but 23 judicial officials were still missing. The increase in cases linked to AIMA has placed significant strain on the court system, and the report stresses the need for better allocation of resources to avoid further delays and improve the overall efficiency of the judicial response to immigration and asylum matters.
Read more from our source here.
6. Average Net Portuguese Salary Surges 10% – The Biggest Increase in a Decade
In 2024, Portugal’s average net salary saw a significant 9.6% rise, reaching 1,142 euros, marking the largest increase in a decade. This 100-euro increase was fueled by a historical 22% jump in the salaries of the Armed Forces, alongside solid gains for farmers and mid-level technicians. This wage surge is also linked to the strong rise in public sector wages, including for teachers, security forces, and healthcare workers, plus adjustments to the minimum wage. Compared to 2011, the net salary increase was 331 euros (41%), underscoring a steady upward trend in earnings over the past decade.
However, despite this positive wage growth, gender wage inequality has worsened. The gap between men and women widened to 206 euros, up from 178 euros in 2023. Men saw a generous 10.14% salary increase, while women’s wages rose by 9.1%. Key sectors like agriculture and skilled labor saw impressive wage growth as well, with farmers and technicians benefiting from raises of around 10%. However, the military sector stood out, with a 22% increase, largely driven by the rise in military condition allowances from 100 to 300 euros. Public sector agreements for salary increases further contributed to these gains, especially for public workers like teachers, police, and nurses.
While most professions experienced increases that outpaced inflation, disparities remain. Unskilled workers saw the smallest growth, with wages rising by just 6.1%, still below the gross minimum wage of 820 euros. Meanwhile, top executives and legislative representatives enjoyed significant raises of 123 euros, reaching an average salary of 1,886 euros. This highlights the growing wage gap, where the difference between the lowest (unskilled workers) and the highest-paid groups (top executives) reached 1,189 euros, reflecting an ongoing disparity in income distribution across professions.
Read more from our source here.
7. Minister of Economy Advocates for Iberian Alliance in Large-Scale Projects
Pedro Reis, Portugal’s Minister of Economy, called for a strengthened Iberian alliance, urging Spain to collaborate with Portugal on major strategic areas like green hydrogen, electric vehicle mobility, and renewable projects. Speaking at a lunch organized by the Luso-Spanish Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Porto, he emphasized the need for a focused action plan, pointing out that while not every project can be pursued, Portugal and Spain should prioritize key ones. He suggested that the two countries could jointly accelerate technological startup projects, develop data centers, and become leaders in Europe’s green transition and the electric vehicle sector, thus positioning themselves as key players on the global investment map. He emphasized that a coordinated approach between the two nations would make them formidable contenders in Europe’s economic landscape.
In light of current global instability and uncertainty over potential U.S. tariffs impacting international trade, Reis highlighted the opportunity for Portugal to capitalize on its growing appeal to foreign investors. He described Portugal as a “safe haven” for investment, citing its political stability and ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing competitiveness and attracting capital. He argued that this “extreme volatility” in the global economy opens up a window for Portugal to enhance its economic position, particularly by aligning with Spain on major projects and foreign investment strategies. This collaboration, according to Reis, could help Portugal and Spain become more competitive and influential in the world economy, particularly in sectors like green hydrogen and technological innovation.
Read more from our source here.
8. Government Plans to Invest 52 Million Euros in Strengthening Fire Prevention and Combat
The Portuguese Government will allocate 52 million euros from the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) to enhance rural fire prevention and promote territory resilience. Over 30 million euros will strengthen the intervention capacity of Forest Producer Organizations and Municipalities, funding the purchase of tractors and specialized equipment for fuel management. Additionally, 10.4 million euros will be invested in acquiring new vehicles, while 6.7 million euros will support intermunicipal communities with the purchase of heavy equipment. The funding will also back technical support for integrated landscape management projects through multidisciplinary teams, with more than 2.5 million euros in grants.
The renewal of motomanual equipment will receive a substantial 2.3 million euros to bolster firefighting efforts. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries highlighted that these investments underscore the government’s commitment to protecting populations and territories from the rising fire risks linked to climate change. Note that this initiative reflects a broader strategy to strengthen resilience and safeguard both people and ecosystems in an increasingly volatile environment.
Read more from our source here.
9. Middle East: Portuguese Prime Minister Warns that the US Is an Ally and Rejects “Tainting Foreign Policy”
In the biweekly debate, Luís Montenegro condemned “any intervention, intent, or purpose of ethnic cleansing” in Gaza but rejected “hasty conclusions” from US President Donald Trump’s statements. Montenegro emphasized that Portugal would always support “international law, humanitarian law, and a path that could lead to the establishment of two states.” While responding to the Livre party’s challenge, Montenegro clarified that Portugal’s foreign policy would not be “tainted” by any extraneous statements from world leaders. The Prime Minister reaffirmed that the US is “unequivocally our ally.”
The leader of the Livre party, Isabel Mendes Lopes, urged Montenegro to directly condemn Trump’s remarks about taking control of Gaza and relocating Palestinians. She suggested a hypothetical scenario, questioning who would protect Portugal if the US were to violate its sovereignty, highlighting concerns over the potential consequences of not condemning foreign interference in international territories. Montenegro, however, maintained that some issues are better left unspoken and reiterated that Portugal’s stance would focus on dialogue and coordination with its allies.
Note that President Trump’s controversial comments on taking control of Gaza and sending US troops to aid reconstruction sparked international debate. He outlined his vision of a “long-term” US involvement, which raised concerns regarding US actions in the Middle East. Despite the contentious nature of his remarks, Montenegro underscored that Portugal’s role would remain aligned with international law, seeking diplomatic engagement rather than a confrontational approach, while ensuring the protection of Portugal’s interests.
Read more from our source here.
10. Passenger Traffic at Portuguese Airports Grew by 4.3% to Around 69.2 Million in 2024
In 2024, Portuguese airports saw a 4.3% increase in passenger traffic, reaching nearly 69.2 million, with over 35 million of those passengers traveling through Lisbon. The Vinci-owned ANA, the company responsible for the management of Portuguese airports, generated almost 1.3 billion euros in revenue, accounting for 28% of the total 4.526 billion euros in the airport segment. Note that ANA’s EBITDA was 865 million euros, representing 30% of the total airport segment earnings of 2.883 billion euros.
These figures highlight the growth in the airport sector, with ANA’s financial performance remaining strong, driven by increased passenger numbers. The overall performance of Vinci’s airports in Portugal reflects the company’s continued success in managing the country’s major airports. The steady rise in passenger traffic is seen as a key indicator of recovery and growth in Portugal’s aviation sector.
On a strategic level, the government has instructed ANA to move forward with the bid for the new Alcochete airport, a project that aligns with ANA’s report, which outlines no direct contribution from the State Budget. This follows the approval of the Luís de Camões Airport plan, which also adheres to the government’s strategy. ANA, which was sold to the French Vinci Group for around three billion euros in 2012, remains integral to Portugal’s airport management and development.
Read more from our source here.
