### Significant Increase in Water Reserves in Algarve

Recent rainfall has led to a **notable increase** in water reserves across the Algarve region, with **six dams** now boasting an average capacity of **80%**. The **Odeleite dam** stands out as the most filled, currently at just **5%** below its maximum storage capacity. Meanwhile, the **Odelouca dam** is reported to be just over **20%** of its total capacity.

![Algarve Water Reserves](https://asset.skoiy.com/tsfiqogiwkcugyug/dzipvgtdbarz.jpg?w=1852&q=80)

Carlos Vidigal Jr./Global Imagens (archive)

A barragem de Odeleite é a que apresenta a maior capacidade, já que se encontra apenas a 5% do valor máximo de armazenamento. Já a de Odelouca está a pouco mais de 20% da capacidade total

Algarve Water Reserves Surge: Discover the Six Dams Now at 80% Capacity

### Key Agreement Established
The **Madeiran structures of PSD** and **CDS-PP** have officially established a **parliamentary and governance agreement** for the **Autonomous Region**. This agreement was confirmed by **Miguel Albuquerque** on Tuesday afternoon.

### Leadership Details
Miguel Albuquerque stated, **"The agreement will be within the governance and parliamentary framework"**. However, he refrained from disclosing the position that **José Manuel Rodrigues** will hold in the new regional government. According to RTP, Rodrigues is expected to take on the role of **Regional Secretary of Economy**.

### Historical Context
Albuquerque emphasized the **"historical good relationship with CDS"**, highlighting the importance of a written agreement to maintain clarity on principles.

### Government Composition
Regarding the new composition of the **Madeiran Regional Government**, Albuquerque did not reveal any names. However, it has been noted that **José Manuel Rodrigues**’s inclusion in the regional executive implies he will **relinquish his presidency of the Madeira Legislative Assembly**, a position he has held since **2019**. This role is likely to be filled by **Rubina Leal**, a PSD deputy.

### Next Steps
The shared governance solution between **PSD and CDS-PP** in the **Madeira Autonomous Region** is set to be presented to the **Republic's representative** on Friday, when **Ireneu Barreto** meets with the parliamentary parties.

As estruturas madeirenses do PSD e do CDS-PP estabeleceram já um acordo de incidência parlamentar e para a governação da Região Autónoma. O entendimento é assinado esta terça-feira à tarde, confirmou Miguel Albuquerque.


New Power Alliance in Madeira: PSD and CDS-PP Seal Governance Agreement

### Major Drug Bust by the Judiciary Police

**The Judiciary Police (PJ)** has successfully intercepted a submarine carrying **6.5 tons of cocaine** destined for the Iberian Peninsula. This significant operation, named **"Nautilus"**, was executed with support from the **Portuguese Navy**, **Air Force**, **Spanish Guardia Civil**, **U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration**, and the **UK National Crime Agency**.

![Submarine Intercepted](https://images.impresa.pt/sicnot/2025-03-25-submarino-intercetado.jpeg-15b1a732/original)

### Details of the Operation

The submarine was intercepted in the **Atlantic Ocean**, approximately **500 nautical miles south of the Azores**, with **five individuals** on board: three Brazilians, one Spaniard, and one Colombian. The **cocaine** was reportedly intended for **various countries across Europe**.

### Next Steps for the Suspects

The occupants of the submarine are currently on a **Navy ship** heading to **Ponta Delgada**, from where they will be transferred to **Lisbon** to face a judge for further proceedings.

O submarino, com cinco pessoas a bordo, três de nacionalidade brasileira, um espanhol e um colombiano, tinha como destino a Península Ibérica.

Massive Cocaine Bust: PJ Intercepts Submarine with 6.5 Tons Heading to Iberian Peninsula

## Eurobarometer Insights

According to the latest **Eurobarometer survey**, **Portugal** stands out as the country with the most positive perception of the **European Union**. A remarkable **75%** of Portuguese citizens view the EU positively, compared to the European average of **50%**. Only **5%** of the population holds a negative view.

### Youth Perspective
Curiously, the most favorable views come from the **15 to 24 age group**, where **93%** express a positive image of the EU, while only **7%** have a negative outlook. In contrast, **67%** of those over **55** years old view the EU positively, with **26%** dissenting.

### Key Concerns for Europeans
When asked about priorities, **43%** of Europeans believe the **European Parliament** should focus on **inflation, rising prices, and cost of living**. Following this, concerns regarding defense and security, poverty alleviation, and job creation follow.

Interestingly, **public health support** is the **fifth priority** for EU citizens, but for **Portuguese**, it ranks as the top priority, with **58%** advocating for increased focus on this area—more than double the European average.

### Age-Specific Priorities
- Young Portuguese (15-24 years) prioritize **public health**.
- Citizens aged **40-54** focus on inflation and cost of living first, then health.
- Those aged **25-39** prioritize economic support and job creation, with health coming third.

### EU Values and Global Role
Regarding EU values, **peace** is paramount for citizens, followed by **democracy, human rights**, and **freedom of expression**. **76%** of Portuguese respondents believe the EU should play a more significant role in protecting citizens against global crises, significantly higher than the European average.

### Future Outlook on Quality of Life
In terms of quality of life, **51%** of Europeans expect no changes in the next five years. However, in Portugal, there is a growing pessimism, with **35%** believing quality of life will decline. Among the youth, opinions are nearly split on whether quality of life will improve or worsen.

### EU Membership Benefits
An impressive **74%** of Europeans feel their country has benefited from EU membership, with **91%** of Portuguese agreeing. The primary reason cited by **46%** of Portuguese is that the EU has contributed to **economic growth**, providing a stronger voice and more job opportunities.

*Note: This Eurobarometer survey is based on **26,354** face-to-face interviews conducted across **27 EU member states** from **January 9 to February 4**, targeting citizens aged **15 and older**.

No Eurobarómetro conhecido esta terça-feira, os portugueses são os que têm melhor imagem da União Europeia. Lideram o alinhamento dos 27 e são 75 por cento os que pensam desta forma, quando a média europeia é de 50 por cento. Dezanove por cento dos cidadãos nacionais têm uma imagem neutra da União e apenas cinco por cento têm uma ideia negativa da Europa.


Portugal Tops EU Positivity: Discover What Young Citizens Think About the Union!

## Real Estate Boom in Algarve

The **real estate market in the Algarve** is seeing prices rise **above the national average**, with a remarkable **13.8% increase in 2024**, according to data released by **Confidencial Imobiliário**. This growth outpaces the national average of **11.0%**, as well as the increases in **Lisbon (5.5%)** and **Porto (7.8%)**.

## Year-on-Year Growth Comparison

The statement highlights that the **valuation of properties in the Algarve has accelerated** compared to 2023, which recorded a **9.2% increase**. In contrast, the price growth in Lisbon and Porto has slowed, with **Lisbon showing a 6.3% increase** and Porto **10.7%** in 2023.

## Market Performance by Municipality

The report indicates that **13 out of 16 municipalities** in the Algarve experienced accelerated growth. Notably, the most expensive markets like **Loulé (12.6%)**, **Tavira (12.8%)**, and **Lagos (18.6%)** are leading this upward trend. Furthermore, **Vila Real de Santo António** recorded the highest increase in the Algarve at an astonishing **26.0%**.

This significant surge reflects the **strong performance of the Algarve's real estate market**, making it a key area of interest for potential investors and homebuyers alike.

Subida dos preços das casas destaca-se no Algarve. 

Algarve Real Estate Prices Surge: A Closer Look at the 2024 Market Trends!

### Political Stability for Madeira

**Miguel Albuquerque** and **José Manuel Rodrigues** of **CDS-Madeira** have signed a significant government agreement aimed at ensuring **political stability** in the region. This agreement marks the **inclusion of CDS** in the **Regional Government**, with José Manuel Rodrigues appointed to oversee the **Social Affairs** portfolio.

### Leadership Changes

In a notable shift, José Manuel Rodrigues has **abdicated** his position as the **President of the Legislative Assembly of Madeira**, a role he held since **2019**. The presidency is expected to be taken over by **Rubina Leal**, a deputy from the **PSD** party.

### Upcoming Presentation

This new government arrangement is set to be presented to the **Representative of the Republic** on **Friday**, during a meeting with parties holding parliamentary representation.

José Manuel Rodrigues terá, assim, abdicado da Presidência da Assembleia Legislativa da Madeira, lugar que ocupava desde 2019. O cargo deverá ser ocupado por Rubina Leal, deputada do PSD

CDS-Madeira Joins Government: José Manuel Rodrigues Takes Over Social Affairs Role

## Prime Minister's Legal Move Against Chega

On Monday, Prime Minister **Luís Montenegro** confirmed that he has filed a **cautionary injunction** against the political party **Chega**. This action aims to remove campaign posters depicting him alongside former Socialist Prime Minister **José Sócrates**, linking them to **corruption** issues.

Montenegro stated, **“The injunction was filed on the 14th. Without news, we leave it to the court for discussion and decision.”** This statement was shared via social media, where he expressed concern that Chega sought to influence judicial proceedings immediately after being notified of the injunction.

He emphasized, **“Chega and its leader have no limits. Freedom of expression should not be confused with offensive and baseless slander.”**

> **Tweet from Luís Montenegro:**  
> “The injunction was filed on the 14th. Without news, we leave it to the court for discussion and decision. Today it became public because Chega was notified and immediately wanted to condition justice. Chega and its leader have no limits.” 
> — Luís Montenegro (@LMontenegropm) March 24, 2025

In a press conference later that day, Montenegro confirmed that he has requested the **Lisbon Judicial Court** to order the removal of all posters associating him and Sócrates with corruption within five days. However, he did not confirm whether the court accepted or rejected this legal action.

**André Ventura**, the leader of Chega, responded to the media by denying any notification regarding the Prime Minister's legal action, further accusing Montenegro of struggling with **democracy and freedom**.

The cautionary injunction was filed on the 14th, but the judge declined to rule on the matter without a counterargument, as Montenegro had requested. According to the Lisbon court, reported by Lusa agency, the court refused the request for a decision without a counterargument, notifying Chega through Ventura on the 20th and providing a timeframe for their response.

O primeiro-ministro confirmou esta segunda-feira que entregou uma providência cautelar contra o Chega para a retirada dos cartazes em que aparece ao lado do ex-chefe do Governo socialista José Sócrates associado ao tema da corrupção. O líder do partido negou ter sido notificado e recusou-se a retirar os outdoors e as referidas "mensagens políticas". Sem contraditório dos visados, o tribunal recusa-se a decidir a ação judicial.

Montenegro Takes Legal Action Against Chega: The Controversy Unfolds

## Major Crime Trends in Portugal

Recent statistics from the **Annual Internal Security Report** reveal a concerning rise in **car thefts** and **bank robberies**, more than **doubling** compared to 2023. This surge contributes to an overall increase of nearly **3% in violent crime** for 2024, despite a decrease of **17,000 criminal reports** year-on-year, bringing the total to under **355,000 complaints**.

### Rising Crime Rates

The report, discussed last week at the **Security Coordination Office**, indicates that while **violent crime** has seen significant increases, particularly in public thefts, the overall crime rate has dropped. For instance, **car thefts** jumped to **260 incidents**, up from **126** the previous year, and bank robberies surged from **14 to 32**, marking an increase of almost **130%**.

### Public Safety Concerns

Among the recorded crimes, **public robberies** accounted for over **7,400 complaints**, which is more than half of the nearly **14,400 reports** that contribute to a strong sense of insecurity among the populace. Although violence has been rising since **2021**, last year's levels matched those of **2019**, prior to the pandemic, but remain significantly lower than the **19,000 incidents** recorded in **2015**.

### Geographic Crime Distribution

The report highlights that most districts, especially **Santarém, Castelo Branco, Portalegre,** and **Leiria**, have seen notable increases in violent crime. In contrast, the **Guarda district** experienced a **25% decrease** in such crimes.

## Group Crimes on the Rise

The report also emphasizes an alarming increase in **group crimes**, defined as offenses involving three or more suspects, which reached nearly **7,300 incidents** last year, an **8% increase** from 2023. The **Judiciary Police** noted an over **50% rise** in investigations, primarily related to fraud, with significant occurrences in the **Lisbon Metropolitan Area**, often linked to rivalries among different neighborhoods.

Youth delinquency, involving crimes committed by individuals aged **12 to 16**, rose by **12%**, surpassing **2,060 incidents**. Furthermore, **school-related crimes** reached **7,128 occurrences** in the 2023/2024 school year, predominantly involving assaults and theft.

### Decrease in General Crime

Conversely, there has been a **23% decline** in incidents of driving under the influence, with **5,600 fewer cases**, and a reduction of **4,400 cases** of driving without a license. Domestic violence saw a slight **1% decrease**, yet more than **30,200 complaints** were still reported.

As the release of the **2024 crime statistics** approaches, the topic has gained traction in political discussions, prompting the Prime Minister to assert that **Portugal is among the safest countries** globally, while acknowledging the need for enhanced police visibility.


Números constam da versão preliminar do Relatório Anual de Segurança Interna relativo ao ano passado. Criminalidade violenta subiu perto de 3%, mas no global houve menos 17 mil participações criminais

Algarve Water Reserves Surge: Discover the Six Dams Now at 80% Capacity

Summary:

Significant Increase in Water Reserves in Algarve

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Other Latest News

New Power Alliance in Madeira: PSD and CDS-PP Seal Governance Agreement

Massive Cocaine Bust: PJ Intercepts Submarine with 6.5 Tons Heading to Iberian Peninsula

Portugal Tops EU Positivity: Discover What Young Citizens Think About the Union!

Algarve Real Estate Prices Surge: A Closer Look at the 2024 Market Trends!

CDS-Madeira Joins Government: José Manuel Rodrigues Takes Over Social Affairs Role

Montenegro Takes Legal Action Against Chega: The Controversy Unfolds

Car Theft and Bank Robberies Skyrocket: Portugal's Crime Report Reveals Surprising Trends

Other Latest News

New Power Alliance in Madeira: PSD and CDS-PP Seal Governance Agreement

Massive Cocaine Bust: PJ Intercepts Submarine with 6.5 Tons Heading to Iberian Peninsula

Portugal Tops EU Positivity: Discover What Young Citizens Think About the Union!

Algarve Real Estate Prices Surge: A Closer Look at the 2024 Market Trends!

CDS-Madeira Joins Government: José Manuel Rodrigues Takes Over Social Affairs Role

Montenegro Takes Legal Action Against Chega: The Controversy Unfolds

Car Theft and Bank Robberies Skyrocket: Portugal's Crime Report Reveals Surprising Trends