### Repatriation Flight Arrives
A flight carrying **16 Portuguese citizens** and their families from Lebanon has successfully landed in **Lisbon**. This operation was overseen by **Paulo Rangel**, who also reported that the flight included citizens from **"friendly states"** of Portugal, such as **São Tomé** and **Spain**.

![Repatriation Flight](https://asset.skoiy.com/tsfiqogiwkcugyug/zxr851ma6dwm.jpg?w=1852&q=80)
*Image: Reception of the repatriated citizens led by Paulo Rangel*  
*Credit: Miguel A. Lopes/Lusa*

Paulo Rangel revela que neste voo seguiram também cidadãos de "Estados amigos" de Portugal, como São Tomé e Espanha

16 Portuguese Citizens and Families Repatriated from Lebanon Land Safely in Lisbon

**Public Reaction to Controversial Photo**  
The reactions to a photo depicting dozens of immigrants lined up against a wall on Rua do Benformoso in Lisbon began with significant outrage. This scene, observed under the watchful eyes of heavily armed police, was presented as a preventive operation, despite the absence of any concrete suspicion of criminal activity.  
  
While the left expressed predictable indignation, it was noteworthy that several voices from the right also joined in the outcry. This shared moral outrage highlights the importance of fundamental values when faced with events that should be deemed unacceptable by all.  
  
**General Indignation as a Societal Signal**  
I often find myself disliking uniform thinking, yet I appreciate widespread indignation during certain occasions. It serves as a signal of shared values when confronted with situations that challenge our collective conscience.  
  
The image of immigrants in such a vulnerable position raises questions about societal attitudes towards immigration and the treatment of marginalized communities in Portugal. As discussions continue, the importance of addressing these core societal values cannot be overstated.

As reacções à foto de dezenas de imigrantes alinhados contra a parede na Rua do Benformoso começaram muito bem. Infelizmente, foi sol de pouca dura.

Outcry in Mouraria: A Practical Lesson in Sectarianism

## Noite do Mercado 2024 Officially Opens  
The **Noite do Mercado 2024** is now officially open! The symbolic ceremony took place at precisely **7 PM** at the beginning of **Rua Dr. Fernão de Ornelas**, near the junction with **Rua do Carmo**.  

Accompanied by fellow council members, the **President of the Funchal City Council, Cristina Pedra**, had the honor of cutting the ribbon. The vibrant **'red procession'** now flows down the street towards the **Mercado dos Lavradores**.  

![Noite do Mercado 2024](https://static-storage.dnoticias.pt/www-assets.dnoticias.pt/images/configuration/LG/WhatsApp_Image_2024-12-23_at_19.07.00.JPEG)  

Join the festivities and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of this year's market night!  

![Gallery](https://static-storage.dnoticias.pt/www-assets.dnoticias.pt/images/configuration/OR/WhatsApp_Image_2024-12-23_at_19.06.59.JPEG)  

**Explore the gallery** for more highlights from the event!

Cristina Pedra cortou a fita na Rua Dr. Fernão de Ornelas

Experience the Magic: Noite do Mercado 2024 Officially Kicks Off in Funchal!

## Burger King Opens New Locations in Lisbon  
The **Burger King** has just launched two new restaurants in **Lisbon**, located at **Avenida Almirante Reis 86** and **Largo das Fontaínhas 7**, Alcântara. With these openings, the brand now boasts **45 restaurants** in the Lisbon district and **19 in the capital**, solidifying a presence that began in **2001** with its first location at **Centro Comercial Colombo**.  

These new establishments have created **60 job opportunities**, bringing the total to over **1,300** jobs generated by Burger King in the Lisbon district. The Burger King communication team emphasizes, "Continuing to grow and create local opportunities is one of our brand's commitments."  

At the new restaurants, customers can enjoy the full menu, from the classic **Whopper** to limited editions like **Brutal Bacon**, available in meat, chicken, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. The little ones are not forgotten, with **King Jr. menus** and the iconic crowns that symbolize Burger King.  

Both spaces, each over **350m²**, are designed for comfort and accessibility. They offer services such as **drink refills**, **pre-order kiosks**, **free wifi**, as well as **take away** and **Home Delivery**. The areas are intended for family or friend gatherings, combining modern architecture with a cozy atmosphere.  

The restaurant on Avenida Almirante Reis has a capacity of **162 seats**, with **114** in the dining area and **48** on the terrace. The Alcântara unit can accommodate up to **110 customers**, with **12** seats on the lower floor, **58** upstairs, and **40** on the terrace. Both locations operate daily from **11 AM to 12 AM**.  

These openings are part of Burger King's growth plan, which aims to inaugurate over **200 restaurants** in **Portugal** by the end of **2024**. The brand, which employs around **5,000** people nationwide, strengthens its goal of bringing the authentic grilled flavor across the country while simultaneously fostering local economic development through new job creation.

Com estas inaugurações, a marca passa a contar com 45 restaurantes no distrito de Lisboa e 19 na capital, consolidando uma presença que iniciou em 2001 com a

Burger King Expands in Lisbon: Two New Restaurants Open with 60 Job Opportunities!

### Internal Security Observatory's Validation of Police Actions
The **Internal Security Observatory** has validated the police actions that took place last Thursday at **Martim Moniz** in Lisbon, which faced sharp criticism from various left-wing parties and commentators.

In a statement from its president, **Luís Marques Fernandes**, the private association dedicated to studying security issues attributes the surge of criticism against the police to the **public's ignorance** of the authorities' operational procedures and ideological biases. The sight of dozens of immigrants being searched against the wall sparked outrage. **Amnesty International** has expressed concerns about how such actions could legitimize **xenophobic** and violent discourse.

### Critique of Public Understanding
The Observatory argues that "the average citizen is not obliged to know or understand the operational procedures of security forces." This ignorance sometimes leads to criticisms based on subjective interpretations or political motivations. They note that when police actions are marked by a more visible and vigorous approach, it can cause discomfort among the public unfamiliar with police protocols.

### Context of Police Operations
The operation at Martim Moniz was conducted in cooperation with the **Public Prosecutor's Office**, and so far, there is no evidence that any illegality occurred during it. The area has seen a significant number of **violent crimes**, including **robberies** and even a **homicide**, which justified a more forceful intervention by the authorities.

The police reported that in the past two years, there were **52 incidents** of violent crimes in the area. The Observatory emphasizes that certain procedures, which may seem excessive initially, aim to prevent **risk situations** from escalating into violence or even the use of lethal force. This may involve measures such as searching individuals against a wall.

### Support for Police Practices
**Luís Fernandes** believes that the police's actions, which were not aimed at mass arrests, adhered to **international best practices** for police intervention, following guidelines from organizations like **Interpol** and **FBI**. Despite the modest outcomes of the operation (two arrests involving weapons), the Observatory maintains that it contributes to the **perception of safety** in the country.

### Community Response
On the following Saturday, **Rua do Benformoso** was filled with over a hundred people demonstrating solidarity with the immigrant community living and working there. All left-wing parties in parliament were present to criticize the manner in which the police operation was conducted.

In an upcoming interview, **José Pedro Aguiar-Branco**, the president of the Assembly of the Republic, absolved the Prime Minister and the Minister of Internal Administration from responsibility for any inappropriate police behavior, stating that operational conduct is managed by the respective forces.

He firmly stated, "The perception of insecurity, in a dispersed manner, is a reality."

“Desconhecimento dos procedimentos das forças de segurança pelo cidadão comum gera críticas”, diz associação. Para Aguiar-Branco, “a percepção de insegurança, de uma forma dispersa, é uma realidade”.

Internal Security Observatory Supports Police Actions Amidst Controversy in Lisbon's Martim Moniz

**André Ventura**, the leader of Portugal's third most voted party, Chega, recently visited the **Martim Moniz neighborhood** in Lisbon, where he made a striking statement about a so-called **'political genocide' against the PSP (Public Security Police)**. Ventura urged politicians to stand in solidarity with the police instead of criticizing them.  

Ventura emphasized that a segment of the political landscape understands the necessity for police actions in areas plagued by **drugs, crime, prostitution, and illegal immigration**. He condemned the notion that all police officers are **racist** and stated that actions taken by the police should not be unjustified.  

He further argued, “Just as the police do not instruct journalists on how to perform their jobs, journalists should refrain from telling the police how to do theirs.” Ventura pointed out that the police were executing **judicial mandates**, which some found unfavorable. He remarked on the importance of **visible policing**.  

During a police operation last Thursday in Martim Moniz, authorities detained two individuals and confiscated nearly **€4,000 in cash**, along with **weapons, documents, a phone**, and counterfeit items. The heavy police presence in an area with many immigrants sparked social media discussions, showing images of individuals lined against a wall with their hands raised for police searches, raising questions about the necessity of such measures.

Em visita ao bairro do Martim Moniz, em Lisboa, o líder do terceiro partido mais votado em Portugal afirmou que está em curso um "genocídio político à PSP" e desafia os políticos a colocarem-se ao lado das forças de segurança.

Political Genocide? André Ventura's Bold Challenge to Support Police in Portugal

## New Tax Incentives for Foreign Professionals

The **Ministry of Finance** has officially released the list of **highly qualified professions** that will be eligible for the new **tax incentive for scientific research and innovation (IFICI)**, which replaces the previous **non-habitual resident regime**. 

### Eligible Professions

The list includes:
- **Executive Directors and Company Managers**
- **Administrative and Commercial Services Directors** (excluding those in security command roles)
- **Production and Specialized Services Directors**
- **Doctors**
- **University Professors**
- **Specialists in Physical Sciences, Mathematics, or Engineering**
- **Product and Equipment Designers**
- **Information and Communication Technology Specialists**

### Registration Deadlines

Professionals must register by **January 15** of the year following their residency establishment in Portugal. This year, however, there will be an **extension until March 15** for those who earned income in Portugal in 2024.

### Awaiting Additional Lists

An additional list of **economically relevant activities** for the national economy is yet to be compiled by the **Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade of Portugal (AICEP)** and **IAPMEI**.

### A Year to Finalize the Regime

The **2024 State Budget** has phased out the **Non-Habitual Resident Regime** that lasted over a decade, introducing the **IFICI** aimed at attracting and retaining specialized workers in **scientific research, investment, and business development**.

### Application Process

Soon, an **electronic form** will be available for applications, which must be submitted to:
- **Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)** for higher education and research roles
- **AICEP** for qualified jobs in investment benefits
- **Tax Authority (AT)** for highly qualified professions in companies benefiting from investment support

### Tax Benefits Under IFICI

The IFICI offers a **20% special tax rate** on net income from categories A and B earned in Portugal for a **10-year period** from the year of residency registration. Foreign income is exempt from taxation in Portugal, but must be included for determining applicable tax rates.

Notably, beneficiaries with income from non-resident entities in tax havens will face an increased rate of **35%**.

*Updated with additional information.*

O Ministério das Finanças já publicou a lista das profissões que poderão ser abrangidas pelo novo incentivo fiscal à investigação científica e inovação, que substitui o regime dos residentes não habituais. As inscrições passam a ter de ser até 15 de janeiro, mas este ano serão estendidas até 15 de março.

Exciting New Tax Benefits for Foreign Professionals and Emigrants in Portugal: Are You Eligible?

### Health Professionals Unite Against Discrimination

A total of **840 health professionals**, including **doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers**, and **diagnostic technicians**, have signed an open letter protesting the recent changes to the **Health Basic Law**. This amendment, approved last week in the **Assembly of the Republic**, restricts **irregular migrants** from accessing public health care services.

The professionals argue that this change is **discriminatory** and undermines the principles of equality and access to healthcare for all, regardless of their immigration status. They are considering **civil disobedience** as a means to oppose this legislation, emphasizing the importance of health care as a fundamental right.

The letter highlights the collective stance of these professionals, who believe that health care should be available to everyone, and they are prepared to act against what they see as an unjust law.

Profissionais de saúde criticam alteração aprovada na Assembleia da República que muda Lei de Bases da Saúde, considerando-a discriminatória. E admitem desobedecer.

16 Portuguese Citizens and Families Repatriated from Lebanon Land Safely in Lisbon

Summary:

Repatriation Flight Arrives

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Internal Security Observatory Supports Police Actions Amidst Controversy in Lisbon's Martim Moniz

Political Genocide? André Ventura's Bold Challenge to Support Police in Portugal

Exciting New Tax Benefits for Foreign Professionals and Emigrants in Portugal: Are You Eligible?

840 Health Professionals Stand Against Exclusion of Foreigners from SNS: A Call for Civil Disobedience