Government refuses Socialists' TAP request

tapGovernment consider it ‘inappropriate’ to provide the opposition Socialist party executive with its detailed studies on the privatisation of national airline TAP.

In fact the government simply refused to share its studies and assessments that have been undertaken for the privatisation process, saying that they are confidential.

Portugal voted onto UN Human Rights Council

unhcrPortugal, remembered in human rights circles as the first country to abolish the death penalty, today was accepted as a member of the UN Human Rights Council.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Rui Machete recalled the "pioneering role of Portugal in the abolition of the death penalty" and said the number one enemy now is "the inhuman action" of the Islamic state, which "threatens our values and most fundamental principles."

'Underwater Photographer of the Year 2015' award for Nuno Sá

seahorseThanks to Nuno Sá’s photograph, Portugal was represented in first place in the annual Underwater Photographer of the Year contest this year. His picture has the added bonus of highlighting both the Algarve’s Ria Formosa as a natural haven and the also dangers facing the seahorse worldwide.

The photograph, '50 Tons of Me' depicts a Ria Formosa seahorse from the pioneering project involving the University of the Algarve called 'Project Seahorse' which breeds the creatures in captivity for later release.

Finance Minister encourages young unemployed to leave

airplane2"A young man with a degree has the world at his feet," according to Portugal’s Finance Minister, Maria Luís Albuquerque.

The minister was speaking at the presentation ceremony of a new publication on Tras-os-Montes and EU funds written by the MEP, José Manuel Fernandes.

Portugal's motorists contribute 96% more in traffic fines

gnrOne area of government revenue collection that is way above budget is the income from traffic fines, up an impressive 96% this January compared to last.

The nation’s motorists selflessly contributed €11.7 million in the first month of the year compared to just €6 million a year ago.

Ebikes now enter the frame

ebikeBritain is falling in love with electric-powered bikes.

The e-bike is not new, but modernising design has given it extra appeal, with some 25,000 now being sold in the UK every year.

Passos Coelho 'unaware' he owed Social Security thousands

passoscoelhoThe tax and customs authority started 137 disciplinary proceedings last year - against its own employees who accessed the personal data of taxpayers without any good reason.

This all started when the Prime Minister’s tax records were mysteriously released to an eager press which then raised questions over his payment record and personal accounting standards.

Greek PM accused Portugal of trying to scupper his plans

acropThe Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has accused Portugal and Spain of leading a conspiracy to overthrow his government.

In a speech to members of his party, Tsipras accused the two countries of trying to torpedo the testy negotiations with the European Union which finally led to the extension of the Greek bailout programme for another four months.