## Chega's Candidate for Lisbon City Hall

**Bruno Mascarenhas**, the municipal deputy from **Chega**, has been officially confirmed as the party's candidate for the **Lisbon City Hall**. This information was disclosed to SIC by a source close to the Chega party involved in the selection process.

![Bruno Mascarenhas](https://images.impresa.pt/sicnot/2025-03-09-bruno-mascarenhas--1-.jpg-cba4217c/original)

*Stay tuned for updates!*  


Está escolhido o candidato do partido liderado por André Ventura à autarquia lisboeta. Informação confirmada à SIC por fonte do Chega próxima do processo.

Bruno Mascarenhas: Chega's Bold Choice for Lisbon City Hall!

## New Mobility Subsidy Model Approved
The **Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing** announced today the approval of a new model for the **Social Mobility Subsidy** during the Council of Ministers meeting. This subsidy aims to support **regular travel between the mainland and the islands** of the Azores and Madeira.

## Objectives of the New Model
According to the announcement, this decree-law establishes a **uniform legal regime** aimed at **simplification, efficiency,** and **equal treatment** among the Autonomous Regions. The new model will provide the **Social Mobility Subsidy** to residents, equivalent residents, and students using regular air services between the mainland and the Autonomous Regions, as well as inter-island maritime services.

## Financial Details
- The **maximum eligible cost** remains **€400 for Madeira** and **€600 for the Azores**.
- Residents of the Azores will pay a maximum fare of **€119** (down from €134) for trips to the mainland, while students will pay **€89** (down from €99).
- Madeira residents will pay **€79** (down from €86), and students will pay **€59** (down from €65).
- For inter-regional travel, both residents and students from the two archipelagos will pay **€79** and **€59**, respectively.

## Improvements and Goals
The previous model, in place since 2015, provided a **variable subsidy** per trip, reimbursed after verifying passenger eligibility. The new model aims to promote **economic development** and **territorial cohesion**, while also addressing historical and geographical challenges. Key improvements include:
- Harmonization of subsidy regimes across regions.
- Maintenance of current maximum passenger costs.
- Creation of an **electronic platform** to manage subsidy allocation.
- Ensuring beneficiaries only pay the **net amounts** after the subsidy is deducted during ticket purchase.

## Enhancing Social Cohesion
The **Social Mobility Subsidy** is recognized as a crucial element for **social cohesion**, bridging gaps across the national territory. Minister **Miguel Pinto Luz** emphasized its role in overcoming historical contingencies and geographical constraints.

## Inclusion of Immigrants
The new decree also addresses concerns regarding the eligibility of **non-Portuguese nationals**, expanding subsidy access to immigrants residing in the Azores for at least six months. This change is expected to benefit over **3,000 individuals** who previously lacked access to the subsidy.

## Recent Controversy
In September 2024, the government's decision to impose a **€600 cap** on reimbursements for air travel to the mainland sparked controversy, as residents were previously reimbursed for amounts exceeding **€134**, regardless of ticket price.

O Ministério das Infraestruturas e Habitação anunciou hoje a aprovação, em Conselho de Ministros, do novo modelo para atribuição do Subsídio Social de Mobilidade para as viagens regulares entre o continente e as ilhas e entre estas.

Portugal's Government Unveils New Mobility Subsidy Model for Azores and Madeira

**ARA – Algarve Rent-a-Car Association** held its General Assembly on February 25 at the **Mónaco Hotel** in Faro. This significant event marked the **15th anniversary** of the association, celebrating its journey and achievements over the years.  
  
Key agenda items included the **approval of financial accounts for 2024**, discussions on the **future communication strategy for 2025**, and reflections on the association's role in the region.  
  
With over **30 member companies**, ARA aims to enhance its advocacy for the **rent-a-car industry** in the Algarve, promoting a more **sustainable and innovative sector**. The new communication plan focuses on boosting the visibility and credibility of the car rental sector, thereby enhancing the Algarve's reputation as a premier tourist destination.  
  
**Armando Santana**, the president of ARA, emphasized the association's commitment to elevating the industry's standards and supporting its members. He stated that **2025** will be a pivotal year for ARA as they implement their long-awaited communication strategy to meet the objectives set by the association's leadership.

A ARA – Associação das Empresas de Rent-a-Car do Algarve realizou, no dia 25 de fevereiro, uma Assembleia Geral no Hotel Mónaco, em Faro.

Celebrating 15 Years of Excellence: ARA's General Assembly Highlights Future Goals

### A Historic Milestone

**50 years ago**, Portugal celebrated its first **International Women's Day** with a significant women’s demonstration. The **Democratic Women’s Movement (MDM)**, which organized the event, has played a crucial role in advocating for women's rights throughout its more than **50 years of existence**.

### Celebrating Achievements and Advocating for Rights

On this **March 8, 2025**, the MDM commemorates achievements, advocates for **unfulfilled rights**, and emphasizes the vital role of women in building a **progressive, democratic, equal, and peaceful society**.

### A Day of Protest and Celebration

Before the commemorative event, which **Mais Algarve** streamed live on all social platforms, a protest took place outside the **Teatro das Figuras** in **Faro**, despite inclement weather.

### Watch the Commemorative Event

Check out the commemorative spectacle of this event:  
![Commemorative Event](https://www.youtube.com/embed/58pv4UzS230)

Há precisamente 50 anos, celebrou-se, pela primeira vez em Portugal, o Dia Internacional da Mulher, com uma grande manifestação de mulheres. O Movimento

Celebrating 50 Years of Women's Rights: International Women's Day in Portugal

**Affected Areas**: The most impacted regions by yesterday's storm were **Lisbon**, followed by the **Setúbal Peninsula** and **Faro**. According to Commander **Alberto Fernandes** from the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC), significant incidents included **fallen trees**, **structural collapses**, road clearances, and minor floods.

**Incident Overview**: The Civil Protection reported a total of **657 incidents** across the country since the special alert for the passage of **Depression Jana** began, lasting until **7:00 AM** today, with expectations of improving weather conditions throughout the day. These incidents involved **2,566 personnel** and **928 ground units**.

**Calm Night**: The assessment from last night indicated that the situation was **not severe**, with a notably **calm night** expected to lead to better weather conditions today.

**Previous Incidents**: By **Saturday night**, the Civil Protection had recorded **618 incidents** since the alert began, 267 of which occurred on Saturday. One notable incident included extreme winds damaging two homes in the **Coruche** area (Santarém).

**Weather Warnings**: The **Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA)** has issued an **orange warning** for strong maritime agitation in the districts of **Faro, Beja, Setúbal, Leiria,** and **Lisbon**, as well as the northern coast of **Madeira** and the entire coast of **Porto Santo**. Coastal regions of **Coimbra, Aveiro, Porto, Braga,** and **Viana do Castelo** are under a **yellow warning** for maritime agitation, while **Guarda** and **Castelo Branco** districts face yellow warnings due to snowfall.

**Forecast**: Today's forecast predicts generally **overcast skies**, with showers, including **snow** in the highlands of the **North** and **Center** regions, occasionally strong winds along the coast and highlands, strong maritime agitation, and a slight drop in minimum temperatures. The **orange warning** indicates moderate to high weather risk, while the **yellow warning** signifies potential risks for specific weather-dependent activities.

As zonas mais afetadas pelo temporal de ontem foram “Lisboa, seguida da Península de Setúbal e de Faro. As ocorrências mais relevantes foram quedas de árvores, quedas de estruturas, limpezas de vias e pequenas inundações”, disse o Comandante Alberto Fernandes, da Autoridade…

Severe Weather Hits Portugal: 657 Incidents Reported Across the Country

## Marvila's Rapid Transformation

The **National Statistics Institute (INE)** has reported that the **median price** for buying and selling homes in **Marvila** has skyrocketed to over **€6,000 per square meter**. Once known as the most affordable parish in Lisbon, it has now transformed into the city's most expensive area.

![Marvila Housing](https://bordalo.observador.pt/v2/q:60/rs:fill:1440/c:4096:2055:nowe:0:432/plain/https://s3.observador.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/19161503/dventura-marvila-habitacao-5-scaled.jpg)

The **new developments** along the river, designed by renowned architect **Renzo Piano**, have played a pivotal role in this transformation. Real estate agent **Marco Martins** from **MacTown** highlights that these new constructions have pushed Marvila's prices to a level where a **T1 apartment** can easily cost **€600,000**.

### Market Dynamics

The reality of Marvila's housing market is complex. While the median price reflects significant increases, some properties are reportedly selling for over **€8,000 per square meter**, particularly in the newly developed areas. This indicates that a **90 square meter apartment** could exceed **€700,000**. Conversely, older council houses are being sold at much lower prices, albeit with rising values due to demand.

### Cultural Shift and Investment

The changing perception of Marvila is attributed to its ongoing **urban renewal**. The area, once associated with crime and neglect, is now attracting a diverse range of residents, including **foreign buyers** who find the neighborhood appealing. **Tiago Pavão de Sousa**, another real estate agent, notes that many clients are moving from the saturated **Parque das Nações** to Marvila for its modern offerings and vibrant community.

### Challenges Ahead

Despite these positive developments, challenges remain. The **president of the parish**, **António Videira**, acknowledges the lingering stigma associated with Marvila, particularly in areas like **Chelas**, which have historical associations with crime. However, he emphasizes the ongoing efforts to improve the area through community engagement and accessible housing projects.

### Noise Concerns

Residents have also expressed concerns about noise from the **Fábrica do Braço de Prata**, a cultural center that has been described as “orgulhosamente ilegal” (proudly illegal) due to its lack of necessary licenses. This has raised questions about the balance between cultural vibrancy and resident comfort.

As Marvila evolves, it embodies the **duality** of urban development, where rising property values coexist with the need for community cohesion and affordable housing.

INE calculou preço mediano de mais de 6.000 euros/m2 nas compras e vendas de casas em Marvila. Reportagem mostra como "a freguesia que era a mais barata passou a ser a mais cara" da capital.

Marvila's Housing Market Soars: From Lisbon's Cheapest to Most Expensive Neighborhood

### Protests Against Elon Musk in Lisbon

Lisbon is among **50 cities** worldwide that will host a protest against **Elon Musk**, the owner of **Tesla** and supporter of U.S. President **Donald Trump**. The protests are scheduled for **this Sunday** across the **United States**, **United Kingdom**, and **Spain**.

The Lisbon demonstration is set to take place near the **Tesla dealership** at **El Corte Inglés**, as registered on the **Tesla Takedown** website.

These protests reflect a growing backlash in **North America** and **Europe** against Musk's role in the administration of President Trump and his initiative to cut public spending through the **Department of Government Efficiency** (**DOGE**).

According to U.S. media reports, recent protests against Tesla have occurred in cities such as **Tucson**, **Palo Alto**, **Saint Louis**, **Dayton**, and **Charlotte**.

Critics of Trump and Musk aim to discourage purchases of **Tesla electric vehicles**, the world's most valuable car manufacturer. Reports indicate that Tesla vehicles in the U.S. have been vandalized with **swastikas** painted in spray paint, following Musk's controversial Nazi salute.

Despite a nearly **one-third drop** in Tesla's stock value since Trump took office, it remains higher than a year ago. Musk's wealth is currently estimated at **$359 billion** by **Forbes**.

De acordo com a imprensa norte-americana, nos últimos dias foram registados protestos contra a Tesla em cidades como Tucson e Palo Alto (sudoeste), Saint Louis (centro), Dayton e Charlotte (leste).

Protests Erupt in Lisbon Against Elon Musk: A Global Movement Unfolds

## Mapei's Innovative Paint for Algarve International Racetrack

**Mapei** is set to enhance the **Algarve International Racetrack** with a specialized paint developed for racing circuits, ensuring the highest standards of **safety** and **sustainability**. This partnership, formalized between **Marco Ferro**, Mapei's commercial director, and **Jaime Costa**, administrator of **Parkalgar**, marks a significant step in improving the racetrack's quality.

![Mapei Paint](https://autolook.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Tinta-225x300.jpg)
*Marco Ferro and Jaime Costa formalizing the partnership*

The collaboration comes as the racetrack prepares to host over **25 competitions** this year, including the **Superbike** and **MotoGP** world championships, along with the **European Le Mans Series (ELMS)**. Mapei's products, which comply with **FIA** and **FIM** standards, will be utilized not only for the track but also for safety barriers and escape zones.

Jaime Costa emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, "Mapei is a specialized company with products that meet the demanding parameters required by both FIA and FIM, making this collaboration a natural fit."

The **MAPECOAT TNS RACE TRACK** is a quick-drying, solvent-free acrylic resin developed for marking and coloring road surfaces in concrete and asphalt at racetracks. It boasts **high durability**, **chemical resistance**, and a wide array of colors available.

![MAPECOAT TNS RACE TRACK](https://autolook.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Tinta1-300x300.jpg)
*The MAPECOAT TNS RACE TRACK, designed for optimal performance on racing circuits.*

In conclusion, this partnership not only enhances the visual appeal of the racetrack but also significantly boosts its **passive safety** measures, a crucial aspect for hosting major motorsport events worldwide.

Na pintura do circuito portimonense irá ser utilizada a tinta desenvolvida pela Mapei para circuitos, garantindo ao Autódromo Internacional do Algarve os mais elevados padrões de segurança e também sustentabilidade com a utilização das tintas

Bruno Mascarenhas: Chega's Bold Choice for Lisbon City Hall!

Summary:

Chega's Candidate for Lisbon City Hall

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Other Latest News

Portugal's Government Unveils New Mobility Subsidy Model for Azores and Madeira

Celebrating 15 Years of Excellence: ARA's General Assembly Highlights Future Goals

Celebrating 50 Years of Women's Rights: International Women's Day in Portugal

Severe Weather Hits Portugal: 657 Incidents Reported Across the Country

Marvila's Housing Market Soars: From Lisbon's Cheapest to Most Expensive Neighborhood

Protests Erupt in Lisbon Against Elon Musk: A Global Movement Unfolds

Revolutionizing Safety: Mapei Partners with Algarve International Racetrack for Superior Circuit Paint

Other Latest News

Portugal's Government Unveils New Mobility Subsidy Model for Azores and Madeira

Celebrating 15 Years of Excellence: ARA's General Assembly Highlights Future Goals

Celebrating 50 Years of Women's Rights: International Women's Day in Portugal

Severe Weather Hits Portugal: 657 Incidents Reported Across the Country

Marvila's Housing Market Soars: From Lisbon's Cheapest to Most Expensive Neighborhood

Protests Erupt in Lisbon Against Elon Musk: A Global Movement Unfolds

Revolutionizing Safety: Mapei Partners with Algarve International Racetrack for Superior Circuit Paint