Pilot takes evasive action to avoid hitting a drone

airplaneAn airplane coming in to land at Oporto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro airport managed to avoid a collision with a drone, due only to the pilot’s skill in taking evasive action.

The drone was being operated at 450 metres above ground level and the Transavia Boeing 737-800 performed ‘several maneuvers in order to avoid a potentially catastrophic collision.

EDP head office raided in corruption probe

edpOfficers of the Judicial Police raided the Lisbon offices of EDP, REN and the Boston Consulting Group this morning as part of an investigation into active and passive corruption.

The Attorney General's Office explained that the investigation is being run by the Central Department of Investigation and Criminal Action which the Public Prosecutor's Office uses in complex cases. Energy bosses António Mexia from EDP and Rodrigo Costa from REN confirm the searches.

Socialist hotelier MP 'instrumental' in drafting new Alojamento Local rules that restrict apartment owners

hortenseMartinsHortense Martins, a Socialist Party MP with shares in the hotel group 'Investel, Investimentos Hoteleiros,' played a key role in developing the legislative amendments to the Alojamento Local laws that will disadvantage owners of properties that are part of a condominium.

The legislative initiative was signed off by MPs Filipe Neto Brandão and Carlos Pereira but it was Hortense Martins who played a decisive role in preparing the details which stops apartment owners wishing to let their properties should anyone in the same condominium, object.

Modernisation of São Brás de Alportel's main square is completed

SaoBraSquareSMALLThe modernisation of the Largo de São Sebastião in the centre of São Brás de Alportel has been completed.

A plaque was unveiled yesterday, June 1st, and ceremonies were held that included the local Scouts, Fire Brigade and the São Brás de Alportel Band.

Algarve University's rector to stand down

studentsgraduationThe Rector of the Algarve's University is not putting his name forward for consideration for a second term of office this autumn.

In a statement released this week, António Branco cited "personal reasons" for his decision, but hinted that his criticism of some aspects of externally imposed policy has not gone down too well.

Faro council presents €170 million dockland development

rogerioBacalhauFaro council has presented a proposal, 'Farformosa,' to the Algarve Ports Commission for a new marina and hotel development, plus a maritime research centre, at the all-but-abandoned commercial dock area of the city.

"This is a vision we have for this space. It is our contribution. Obviously, whoever has the jurisdiction can accept it or not, or modify it,” said mayor, Rogério Bacalhau.

Bank of Portugal Governor blames it all on the politicians

BoPCostaAsleepThe Governor of the Bank of Portugal, Carlos Costa, today has been moaning about politicians, saying that they demand that banks don’t take risks, while at the same time insisting that they should refinance the economy by lending to companies.

Costa says that “we live contradictory times in relation to the management and evaluation of risks” thus displaying his continuing lack of comprehension as to his role.

Come to Portugal - 'the third most peaceful country in the world'

praiagrandelagoaPortugal is the third most peaceful country in the world, and of the top three, certainly is the most lively.

In a ranking of 163 countries in the 2017 Global Peace Index, Iceland came top, followed by New Zealand.