As night descends over Lisbon, a young girl poses for captivating pictures by the **Tagus River** at **Comércio Square**. This picturesque scene captured on **November 19, 2024**, showcases the charm and beauty of Portugal's capital city, highlighted by the enchanting evening light. **(AP Photo/Armando Franca)**

A girl poses for pictures by the Tagus river at the Comercio square in Lisbon, as night falls, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Captivating Nightfall: A Girl's Portrait by the Tagus River in Lisbon

### Álvaro Sobrinho's Statement on Nationality Loss

Álvaro Sobrinho, the former president of BES Angola, **denied knowing** about the **loss of his Portuguese nationality** until his documents were seized in August. Speaking from Angola, he stated, **"I was never notified by the IRN (Institute of Registries and Notary)."** He was informed about the seizure of his citizen card and passport upon arriving at Lisbon airport from Angola.

### Justice Minister's Inquiry

On November 7, Justice Minister **Rita Júdice** confirmed an **internal inquiry** was initiated to investigate what went wrong in the IRN regarding the notification for the withdrawal of Sobrinho's Portuguese identification documents, which occurred **40 years after** he initially renounced his nationality.

### Background of Nationality Renunciation

Sobrinho explained that he renounced his Portuguese nationality in **1984** to qualify for a scholarship from the Angolan government, which was not available to dual nationals. He was originally Portuguese through his grandfather and had been renewing his identity documents without being informed of any nationality issues.

### Legal Complications and Current Status

The irregularity in his nationality status was only discovered this year when someone requested a birth certificate for Sobrinho at the IRN in Lisbon, triggering the current legal case. He stated, **"I am not fleeing anywhere"**, clarifying that he left Portugal in August under orders from the Portuguese authorities, who issued him a **15-day exit visa**. He has visited Portugal multiple times since then.

Sobrinho, who now claims to hold only Angolan nationality, is facing judicial proceedings for **breach of trust and money laundering**, suspected of misappropriating over **340 million euros** from BES Angola. As he resides in Angola since **2001**, he cannot be extradited and would need to return to Portugal voluntarily if required by the courts.

Ex-presidente do BES Angola diz nunca ter sido notificado da perda de nacionalidade portuguesa até à apreensão dos documentos em Agosto. Agora em Angola, Portugal não poderá requerer a sua extradição.

Álvaro Sobrinho Claims He Was Unaware of Losing Portuguese Nationality: 'I Didn't Choose to Leave Portugal'

## Winds: A Fair Trade Marketplace for All Businesses

Launched by **José Carlos Leandro**, the owner of Hotel Alísios, **Winds** was created in the Algarve to facilitate **fair trade** among companies. The platform is now operational in all **18 districts of Portugal** and is set to expand to the autonomous regions of **Açores and Madeira** by the end of the year.

### Addressing Disparities in Business Conditions

Leandro recognized a **significant discrepancy** in negotiation conditions between small and large companies. In response, he founded Winds in 2019, a **marketplace** designed to promote equitable trade among businesses of all sizes and locations. Currently, Winds boasts **110 buyers and 152 sellers**, moving over **€52.9 million** in transactions across various sectors, including food, energy, office supplies, security, IT, chemicals, and construction materials.

![Winds Platform](https://ecoonline.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2024/11/winds.jpg)

### A Unique Business Proposition

According to **Miguel Segarra**, the marketing and communication manager at Winds, the platform has become a phenomenon, attracting attention from businesses eager to join. With over **201,000 orders** processed by September 2024, Winds operates **24/7**, enabling seamless transactions. Notable clients include suppliers like **Sogenave**, **Aviludo**, and **Nestlé**, which handle the transportation of goods.

To access Winds, buyers pay a **monthly subscription of €25**, while sellers incur a **3% fee** on sales. With the support of **Caixa Geral de Depósitos**, Winds ensures a **120-day interest-free payment option** for buyers, while sellers receive immediate payment.

### The Only Marketplace of Its Kind in Europe

Segarra emphasizes that Winds is the **only online marketplace in Europe** where companies of all sizes can negotiate under equal terms. This unique model allows buyers to settle payments within **four months**, while sellers benefit from prompt payment the following day.

![Miguel Segarra](https://ecoonline.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2024/11/capturar-3.jpg)

The company, which employs **eight people**, aims to boost regional commerce by establishing a presence in the **Madeira and Açores** markets, allowing for local suppliers and buyers.

**Winds** is committed to creating a more equitable and accessible commercial environment for all businesses, making it a pivotal player in the Portuguese business landscape.

Lançada pelo dono do Hotel Alísios, a Winds nasceu no Algarve para facilitar o comércio "justo" entre empresas. A plataforma já está presente nos 18 distritos e prepara-se para entrar nas ilhas.

Revolutionizing Business: Algarve's Winds Marketplace Bridges Gap Between Small and Large Companies

### **Alarming Findings on Álvaro Sobrinho's Nationality Misuse**  
The **IGFEJ's analysis** revealed that the process for Álvaro Sobrinho's loss of nationality was incomplete, compounded by a flawed human error and an inadequate computer system that failed to document the loss of nationality over time.  
  
### **New Investigation by the Public Prosecutor's Office**  
On Wednesday, the **Procuradoria-Geral da República (PGR)** announced an investigation by the **Department of Criminal Investigation and Action (DIAP)** in Lisbon regarding Sobrinho's alleged misuse of national documents. This follows a complaint from the **IRN** last Friday.  
  
An official statement from the PGR confirmed that the **Public Ministry** requested a certificate of the case for further inquiry, which has been approved by a judge.  
  
### **Criminal Complaint Filed**  
On November 11, the **IRN** filed a criminal complaint with the **Central Department of Criminal Investigation and Action (DCIAP)**. The complaint includes allegations of **false declarations** before a public official, as Sobrinho purportedly claimed Portuguese nationality to renew his documents over the decades. There are also indications that the DCIAP may investigate potential **corruption**.  
  
In addition to the complaint, Sobrinho's **citizen card and passport** have been canceled.  
  
### **Justice Minister's Remarks**  
Following the emergence of this case, **Justice Minister Rita Alarcão Júdice** expressed her expectation for a judicial investigation, stating that Sobrinho was aware of his renunciation of citizenship but behaved in a way that warrants scrutiny.  
  
### **Upcoming Trials**  
This incident surfaces just as the trial for the **BESA case** is set to begin, where Sobrinho faces charges for **18 counts of aggravated breach of trust** and **five counts of money laundering**. The accusations were made public in July 2022.  
  
Sobrinho's trial will include other notable figures, such as **Ricardo Salgado** (former president of BES), who faces five counts of breach of trust and one of qualified fraud, along with other former administrators facing similar charges.  
  
### **Document Verification Process**  
In light of this case, the DIC has started verifying documents of citizens who lost their nationality in recent years, discovering at least **37 citizen cards and 23 passports** that were improperly active and have since been canceled.  
  
Additionally, the **IRN** has requested corrections to the computer system and improved communication between agencies.

O ex-presidente do BESA renunciou à nacionalidade portuguesa em 1984, mas continuou a declarar-se português e renovou documentos nacionais durante 40 anos, aproveitando um conjunto de falhas do IRN.

Shocking Revelations: Álvaro Sobrinho's Misuse of Portuguese Nationality Exposed!

## Celeste Caeiro's Legacy Honored in Lisbon

The **PCP (Portuguese Communist Party)** in Lisbon has proposed naming a street after **Celeste Caeiro**, the woman who transformed the carnation into a symbol of the **April Revolution of 1974**. This proposal was introduced during a private meeting of the municipal executive and is awaiting scheduling for discussion and voting.

In this meeting, the PCP also successfully passed a **unanimous vote of condolence** for the recent passing of Celeste Caeiro, expressing heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. Caeiro, who passed away at the age of 91 in **Leiria Hospital**, was remembered as a strong-willed communist activist who faced life's challenges with perseverance and kindness.

The PCP emphasized that **Celeste Caeiro**, affectionately known as **Celeste dos Cravos**, will forever be linked to the **history and memory of April 25th** and the fight for freedom in Portugal. Her remarkable act of placing carnations in soldiers' rifles during the revolution is celebrated, along with her lifelong dedication to educating children about the significance of this historical event.

As part of the **50th anniversary** celebrations of the April Revolution, the PCP had previously proposed to honor Caeiro with a **public monument** and the **Medal of Honor of the City**, initiatives that remain unfulfilled.

During the anniversary events, Caeiro and her granddaughter shared the story of how the carnations became synonymous with the revolution, clarifying a common misconception that a florist was responsible for handing a carnation to a soldier. Instead, Caeiro, who was working in a self-service restaurant at the time, received a bouquet of flowers from her boss to distribute to customers. She took her bouquet to the streets, where she encountered soldiers, and in a moment of solidarity, offered one of her carnations to a soldier, who placed it in his weapon, solidifying its status as a revolutionary symbol.

Proposta foi apresentada pelos vereadores do PCP na reunião privada do executivo municipal e aguarda agendamento para discussão e votação.

Honoring Celeste Caeiro: A Symbol of Freedom in Lisbon's Streets

### President Calls for European Security Awakening

On Wednesday, the **President of Portugal**, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, emphasized the urgent need for Europe to awaken to security and defense challenges. Speaking at the **Military Academy** in Amadora, he praised the Portuguese government and **Minister Nuno Melo**, expressing hope for his role regarding the **Armed Forces**. He stated, "As I approach nine years in office, I must tell you that I have found a sign in this government and your excellency that I did not see in previous governments."

### Importance of Strategic Autonomy

Marcelo highlighted that it should not have taken wars for Europe to realize the **importance of investing in defense**. He urged for a strategic autonomy in connection with **NATO** and emphasized the necessity of raising public awareness about the political priority of defense and security investments.

### Anticipating Proactive Measures

The President criticized the current government's reactive approach, referencing the **drama of military programming laws** that are often outdated by the time they are enacted. He expressed confidence that the government would not disappoint in enhancing the status of human resources crucial for the military's mission.

### Urgent Action Required

He called for immediate steps to enhance the **Armed Forces**, stressing that it must be a political priority recognized by the electorate. The President's commendations follow the approval of a **€300 increase in military supplements**, set to rise incrementally over the next few years. Marcelo described these measures as a positive first step towards valuing Portuguese military personnel, reinforcing the government's commitment to their well-being. 

In addition to the supplement increase, military personnel are now entitled to special compensation for permanent disability or death, marking significant progress in the recognition of their sacrifices.  

**Note:** Updated news includes details on measures to enhance military career recognition.

Chefe de Estado afirmou que “não deveria ter sido preciso haver guerras “ para se perceber “a importância” de investir na Defesa do país.

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa Sees Hope in Nuno Melo's Leadership for Portugal's Defense Strategy

### Meeting in a Lisbon Bar

On Tuesday night, **Defense Minister Nuno Melo** was spotted meeting with **Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo**, the Chief of the Navy Staff, in a bar in Lisbon, sparking curiosity. However, Melo dismissed any concerns, stating that it is **normal for a defense minister to discuss important matters with military leaders**, regardless of the location. 

After the **National Council of the CDS** congress, Melo addressed questions from journalists regarding the informal meeting, which was not publicized. He remarked, “**It’s expected that a defense minister has many matters to discuss with a military chief**.” 

When asked about the choice of venue, Melo reiterated, “**Wherever it may be, it’s not an issue**.”

### Context of the Meeting

According to **Página Um**, which reported on the meeting with accompanying photographs, the admiral was seen in civilian attire during their rendezvous. This meeting coincided with discussions at the **Academy of Military Sciences** in Amadora, where the admiral was asked about his upcoming departure from the Navy and its implications amid current international tensions. 

In response to questions about his potential candidacy for the **Presidency of the Republic**, Gouveia e Melo stated, “**I do not make decisions based on polls or any other processes; I rely on my conscience**.”

Ministro da Defesa foi fotografado a encontrar-se com almirante num bar em Lisboa, após o Conselho Nacional do CDS. Diz que têm "assuntos a tratar" e que local do encontro não é de estranhar.

Nuno Melo's Controversial Meeting with Admiral Gouveia e Melo in a Lisbon Bar Raises Eyebrows

## Government Initiative to Boost Foster Care

The Portuguese government is on a mission to **increase the number of families** welcoming at-risk children. This initiative comes just ten days before the release of findings from a working group reviewing **all matters related to the promotion and protection of minors**.

![Foster Care Campaign](https://asset.skoiy.com/jnrcnjwljorqgsbu/iksxxplinac2.jpg?w=1852&q=80)
*Maria Rosário da Palma Ramalho, Minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security*  
Photo: Paulo Spranger  

This campaign aims to address the urgent need for more **foster families** in Portugal, emphasizing the importance of providing safe and nurturing environments for vulnerable children. The review of current laws is expected to bring about significant changes that will enhance the **protection of minors** and ensure their well-being.

The government is calling on the community to consider the profound impact they can have by becoming foster parents, thereby contributing to a **brighter future for children in need**. This initiative not only seeks to expand the network of foster care but also aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by children at risk.


Aumentar o número de agregados que acolhe crianças em risco é o objetivo de nova campanha do governo, lançada a dez dias de serem conhecidas as conclusões de um grupo de trabalho que está a rever todas as matérias relativas a promoção e proteção de menores.

Captivating Nightfall: A Girl's Portrait by the Tagus River in Lisbon

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Shocking Revelations: Álvaro Sobrinho's Misuse of Portuguese Nationality Exposed!

Honoring Celeste Caeiro: A Symbol of Freedom in Lisbon's Streets

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa Sees Hope in Nuno Melo's Leadership for Portugal's Defense Strategy

Nuno Melo's Controversial Meeting with Admiral Gouveia e Melo in a Lisbon Bar Raises Eyebrows

Government Launches Campaign to Increase Foster Families and Revise Child Protection Laws in Portugal