AGP Executive Report

Housing and Living Costs: Tens of thousands rallied in Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra for affordable homes, higher wages and stronger public services. Protesters also pitched tents in Lisbon, while the government said it would not yield to pressure from the streets. TAP Privatisation: Lufthansa was selected to buy a 44.9% stake in TAP Air Portugal for about €1.3 billion, in a major step for the airline’s privatisation. Algarve Business: Mercadona opened its first Algarve supermarket in Portimão, creating 100 jobs, and plans another store in Faro next month. Space and Science: Around 690 students from 13 countries gathered in Constância for the European Rocketry Challenge, backed by the European Space Agency and Portugal’s space agency.

Housing and Cost of Living: Tens of thousands marched across Portugal on Saturday, demanding affordable homes, higher wages and better public services. In Lisbon, protesters pitched tents in Rossio Square. The rallies follow a police operation in Porto that reportedly injured 37 people. President António José Seguro said poverty must not be treated as inevitable; more than 1.66 million people remain at risk. Clean Energy Research: Researchers in Braga say a new catalyst could cut precious-metal use in green hydrogen production by about half while outperforming a commercial benchmark in tests. TAP Privatisation: Lufthansa has been selected to buy a 44.9% stake in Portugal’s national airline for about €1.2 billion, beating Air France-KLM. The deal could reshape the country’s air links and airline competition.

Cost of Living and Housing: Thousands protested in Lisbon, Porto and Coimbra over rising prices, housing costs and pressure on public services. President António José Seguro urged leaders to address the crisis, while Loulé called for emergency powers to speed up housing provision, citing a 75% rise in local home prices. Protest Tensions: Prime Minister Luís Montenegro condemned threats against his home and family after a speaker at a housing demonstration called for violence. He said he respects the right to protest. TAP Privatisation: Lufthansa has been selected to buy a 44.9% stake in TAP Air Portugal for about $1.3 billion, with further privatisation possible by 2028. A union warned workers must not be left to shoulder another airline rescue. Algarve Events: Sagres will host a new surf festival from October 30 to November 1, featuring competitions, adaptive surfing, music and workshops. Cycling: Portugal’s Iúri Leitão won the men’s Omnium at the Track World Championships.

Health: Parliament has given initial approval to tighter rules requiring non-resident foreigners to pay for SNS treatment or show who will cover the costs; urgent care would remain protected. Housing: Porto unrest has raised concerns ahead of a Lisbon protest, while the government says it will not yield to street pressure. TAP: Lufthansa has been selected to buy a 44.9% stake in the airline for about €1.3 billion, though unions warn workers must not be left to shoulder the costs. Business: Portuguese food group Cerealis is in exclusive talks to combine with France’s Panzani, creating a proposed €1 billion-revenue company with its headquarters in Porto. Research: A Porto cancer research partnership won the public vote at the EU’s 2026 REGIOSTARS awards for bringing precision treatments closer to patients. Transport: Diesel prices are set to rise 4.5 cents a litre next week, while Lisbon’s mayor is moving to suspend the city’s shared e-scooter scheme.

Fuel Costs: Diesel is forecast to rise 4.5 cents a litre next week, while petrol should fall by 1.5 cents, adding pressure on households and businesses. Health Access: Parliament has given initial approval to tighter rules requiring non-resident foreigners to pay for SNS care or show proof of coverage; urgent treatment would remain available. Housing: The government says it will not yield to street protests, after a police intervention in Porto left protesters reportedly injured. Lisbon Transport: Mayor Carlos Moedas plans to suspend shared e-scooters, citing dangerous riding and more than 1,200 scooters collected each month. TAP Privatisation: Lufthansa has been selected to buy a 44.9% stake in the airline, with further privatisation possible by 2028. Research: A Porto cancer research partnership won the public vote at the EU’s 2026 REGIOSTARS Awards for connecting scientific research with patient care. Algarve Environment: ZERO is urging rejection of the proposed Foupana dam, warning it could threaten an endangered freshwater fish and questioning whether the project is needed.

EU and Energy: Portugal joined EU leaders in talks on energy prices and the bloc’s budget, as António Costa steered difficult negotiations. TAP Privatisation: Lufthansa has been selected to buy a 44.9% stake in TAP for €1.2 billion, beating Air France-KLM; further privatisation could follow by 2028. Household Costs: Portugal’s 2027 budget measures are expected to affect family finances, while a survey found 97% of Portuguese want the right to pay in cash. Lisbon: The airport has introduced fixed taxi fares to protect visitors from uncertain charges. The city also hosts the public final of the World’s Best Sommelier contest today. Portimão: A new international inclusive-sailing training centre is planned, with operations due to start in November and full activities in January. Environment: Portugal is recycling only about half its e-waste target, according to environmental group ZERO. Algarve: A fundraiser has been launched for the families of three builders killed in a work accident at Quinta do Lago.

TAP Privatisation: Portugal has chosen Lufthansa to buy a 44.9% stake in TAP for about €1.2 billion. Lufthansa’s finance chief says talks are also under way about a possible future purchase of the government’s remaining shares. Critical Minerals: Borralha, the only Portuguese project among 46 new EU strategic projects, could benefit from faster permits and better access to financing for its tungsten mine. Digital Links: An EU-backed subsea cable will connect Ireland to continental Europe, landing at Carcavelos and strengthening Portugal’s digital links. Household Costs: Price pressures are mounting, while proposed 2027 budget measures on taxes, housing and tuition are set to affect family finances. The IMF has raised its Portugal growth forecast to 2.1%. Algarve Tragedy: A fundraiser for the families of three Romanian workers killed in a workplace accident near Loulé has raised nearly €56,000. Lisbon Transport: The airport has introduced fixed taxi fares in a bid to protect visitors from unexpected charges.

TAP Privatisation: Portugal has chosen Lufthansa to buy an initial 44.9% stake in TAP for about €1.2 billion. The state would retain control, and the deal still needs regulatory approval. Cost of Living: Prime Minister Luís Montenegro warned that high oil prices are pushing up costs for households and businesses, as thousands protest over living costs and housing. Environment: Portugal is recycling only about half its e-waste target, environmental group ZERO says. Crime: Authorities seized 3.7 tonnes of cocaine off the Faro coast; one person died and two were arrested. Workplace Safety: A worker died at a wind-turbine tower factory in Portugal.

TAP Sale: Portugal has selected Lufthansa’s €1.2 billion bid for a minority stake in TAP, beating Air France-KLM. Lufthansa has pledged to expand the airline’s fleet and operations. Electronic Waste: Portugal collected and treated just 32% of e-waste in 2024, well below the EU’s 65% target. Environmental group ZERO blames years of regulatory failures. Culture: Lisbon’s National Museum of Ancient Art will partially reopen on November 21 after major renovations, with free entry through December 1. Tax Fraud Probe: Police searched 53 sites, including two banks, over an alleged property-tax fraud scheme that may have cost the state €66 million. Workplace Safety: A worker died after being crushed by a metal plate at CS Wind’s Aveiro wind-tower factory; authorities are investigating. Algarve Roads: PSD Algarve is urging its own government to break an eight-year deadlock blocking EN125 upgrades between Olhão and Vila Real de Santo António. Surfing: The waiting period for Peniche’s MEO Rip Curl Pro opens Friday, with a record five Portuguese surfers in the field.

Travel Advisory: Portugal has advised against non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia following airport attacks. Public Finances: The IMF raised its forecast for Portugal’s economic growth to 2.1%. TAP Sale: The government is nearing a decision on selling a stake in the national airline. Crime: Authorities seized 3.7 tonnes of cocaine off Faro; one person died and two were arrested. Security: Portugal is investigating whether US use of Lajes Air Base complies with the law. Cybersecurity: A cyberattack on supermarket refrigeration systems affected stores in Portugal and other European countries, spoiling food and raising concerns about vulnerable legacy equipment. Tourism: Porto was named Europe’s friendliest city in Condé Nast Traveller’s readers’ awards, with Lisbon in second place. Energy Resilience: E-REDES selected a supplier for a nationwide communications network to support electricity services during emergencies.

Travel Alert: Portugal has advised against non-essential trips to Saudi Arabia after attacks on airports disrupted flights and raised security concerns. Political Row: Police identified Chega MP Rita Matias after a party delegation disrupted a live broadcast at a university radio station in Coimbra; Matias defended the protest. Flight Diversion: A British Airways flight bound for Faro returned safely to Gatwick after a passenger window was reported cracked. Azores Base: Portugal is investigating the legality of US use of Lajes Air Base, while the prime minister says it complies with Portuguese law. Cost of Living: Thousands protested over rising living and housing costs. 2030 World Cup: Netflix has secured Spain’s broadcast rights for the tournament, which Portugal will co-host with Spain and Morocco; the deal includes one free-to-air match per day in Spain.

Digital Economy: Megaport has launched its automated network services in Lisbon, connecting Portuguese businesses to data centres worldwide as the company expands into a growing regional hub. US Base Scrutiny: Prosecutors have opened an investigation into whether US use of Lajes Air Base in the Azores complied with Portuguese law, following a complaint by the Left Bloc. Workplace Safety: Three Romanian construction workers died at a private property in Quinta do Lago after being found in a septic tank; authorities are investigating, and the workplace regulator is expected to examine the accident. Living Costs: Thousands have protested in Portugal over rising housing and living costs, while the prime minister has called for an end to “senseless” oil-price rises. Defence Costs: Fuel price increases have cost the Portuguese Armed Forces more than €3 million. Cybersecurity: An analyst said Portugal may be among countries affected by the cyberattack that overheated supermarket refrigerators in France; the claim has not been confirmed by Portuguese authorities. Tourism: Amadeus River Cruises plans to add the Douro to its routes in 2028 with a new ship.

Algarve Drug Bust: One man died after a high-speed pursuit off Faro ended with authorities seizing around three tonnes of cocaine. Officials have yet to clarify the circumstances of the death. Fuel Costs: Rising prices have added more than €3 million to Navy and Air Force supply contracts, with the Navy facing a €2.4 million shortfall against its 2026 fuel budget. The prime minister has also urged an end to “senseless” oil price rises. Housing and Living Costs: Thousands protested in Portugal over rising housing and everyday expenses, adding to pressure on the government. Business Links: Qatar and Portuguese business representatives discussed investment in sectors including hospitality, fintech and retail, and the possibility of setting up a joint business council. Digital Infrastructure: Megaport has opened Lisbon network links connecting Portuguese businesses to more than 1,200 data centres and cloud providers. Clean Energy: Siemens is supplying digital systems for Galp’s planned 100MW renewable hydrogen project in Sines, which is expected to begin its first phase around year-end.

Cost of Living: Thousands protested in Portugal over rising living and housing costs. Lisbon: Former US President Barack Obama told a crowd of about 10,000 that democracy needs constant renewal, warning of polarization and rising housing costs. Azores Base: The prime minister says US use of the air base complies with Portuguese law and has cautioned the judiciary against politicizing the issue. Mental Health: President António José Seguro called for mental health to become a national priority. Economy: The Bank of Portugal governor urged the country to prepare for external shocks, while the trade deficit narrowed in August. Sport: Uganda’s Martin Musau won the Lisbon Marathon in a personal-best 2:08:07.

Cost of Living: Thousands protested in Lisbon, Porto, Aveiro and Braga over rising housing costs, low wages and pressure on household budgets. Azores Base: Portugal’s prime minister says US use of the Azores air base complies with Portuguese law, while warning the judiciary against being drawn into politics. Health: The president has called for mental health to become a national priority; a separate report says 90% of children needing palliative care lack support. Economy: Portugal’s trade deficit narrowed in August, as business leaders gathered to discuss how to build on the country’s growth. Storm Recovery: The EU has approved €489 million in aid for Portugal, Spain, Italy and Malta after storms earlier this year.

Mental Health: President António José Seguro urged Portugal to make mental healthcare a national priority, saying more than one in five people experience a psychiatric disorder and services must be easier to access. Lajes Air Base: Prime Minister Luís Montenegro defended allowing US forces to use the Azores base during the Iran conflict, saying the arrangements comply with Portuguese law as prosecutors investigate a complaint. Lisbon Marathon: Uganda’s Martin Naibei Musau and Ethiopia’s Meskerem Mamo Hayile won Saturday’s races, both setting personal bests in warm conditions. Algarve Events: Portimão hosted the World Sailing Inclusion Championships, while the European Le Mans Series season finale at the Algarve circuit saw Team Qatar finish third in the LMGT3 team and driver standings.