The former Minister of Agriculture, **Carlos Costa Neves**, has been appointed as the new **Secretary-General of the Government**. This announcement was confirmed by an official source from the government. Initially, the position was offered to **Hélder Rosalino**, who declined the role due to controversy surrounding the **high salary** proposed for the position.

O ex-ministro da Agricultura do Governo de Pedro Santana Lopes é o segundo nome indicado pelo Governo após a desistência de Hélder Rosalino

Carlos Costa Neves Appointed as New Secretary-General of the Government After Hélder Rosalino's Rejection

### Youth Christmas Activity: 'You in the Nativity'
Faro, January 6, 2025 – The **Diocesan Secretariat for Youth Pastoral** (SDPJ) of Algarve is hosting the **'You in the Nativity'** Christmas activity for young people this **Saturday, January 11**, from **9 PM to 11 PM** at the **Pastoral Center of Pêra**.

![You in the Nativity](https://agencia.ecclesia.pt/portal/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Algarve_Pastoral-Juvenil_voce-no-presépio.jpeg)

This annual initiative aims to foster community spirit and solidarity, encouraging participants to bring non-perishable food items to donate to a local charity, as reported by the diocesan newspaper **'Folha do Domingo'**. In 2024, the event successfully collected **76.2 kg** of food donations for the Franciscan community in Algarve, supporting those in need.

The event welcomes youth aged from **10th grade up to 30 years old**, alongside youth leaders, to engage in festive activities during the liturgical season of Christmas. Interested participants are urged to register individually or in groups by **Thursday, January 9**.

The SDPJ of Algarve also introduced its **2024/2025 activity program** during an online meeting on September 30, 2024, attended by **53 participants**, including the Bishop of Algarve, **D. Manuel Quintas**. The calendar of events includes:
- **January 11** – 'You in the Nativity'
- **February 1** – 1st Preparatory Meeting for the Youth Jubilee
- **March 13** – 2nd Training for Youth Leaders/Catechists
- **May 10** – Easter Activity: Vocational Vigil in Olhão
- **July 28 to August 4** – Youth Jubilee in Rome

Join us for a night of joy, community, and giving back to those in need!

Faro, 06 jan 2025 (Ecclesia) – O Secretariado Diocesano da Pastoral da Juventude (SDPJ) do Algarve vai dinamizar a atividade de Natal ‘Você no Presépio’, para jovens, este sábado, dia 11 de janeiro, das 21h00 às 23h00, no Centro Pastoral de Pêra.

Join the Festive Spirit: 'You in the Nativity' Event for Youth in Algarve!

### Major Investment for Enhanced Safety

NAV Portugal has recently implemented a **€3.5 million** wind detection system at **Madeira Airport**, referred to as the **MADeira Winds system (MAD Winds)**. This cutting-edge technology includes an **X-band radar**, a **LIDAR system**, and a sophisticated processing system that provides **high-precision meteorological data** in near real-time.

![Wind Detection System](https://www.regionalgateway.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/NAV-Portugal-deploys-MAD-Winds-detection-system-at-Madeira-Airport-300x161.jpg)

### Addressing Wind Challenges

Situated on the east coast of Madeira, the airport faces operational challenges due to strong winds, with a wind limit set at approximately **36 miles per hour** for most commercial flights. The MAD Winds system positions Madeira as one of the few airports globally to utilize such advanced technology, similar to systems in **Hong Kong** and **Palermo**.

### Commitment to Safety

According to **Pedro Angelo**, CEO of NAV Portugal, this investment underscores the company’s dedication to **operational safety** and enhancing the efficiency of air operations, providing essential support for **controllers**, **pilots**, and **airport operators**.

### Improving Meteorological Analysis

The primary aim of the MAD Winds system is to improve the analysis and forecasting of critical weather phenomena that impact airport operations, including **windshear**, **turbulence**, and **microbursts**. It enhances the understanding of wind conditions during crucial flight phases: approach, landing, and take-off.

### Future Prospects

Currently, around **80% of wind-driven divergences** are within **3 knots** of the limits. With the precise data collected by the MAD Winds system, there is potential for future revisions of these wind limits. The system is undergoing a **year-long pre-operation period** for evaluation and adjustments based on the island's specific conditions.

NAV Portugal handed over Madeira Airport’s new wind detection system in December, marking a milestone for the safety of operations in the region...

Revolutionary Wind Detection System Enhances Safety at Madeira Airport

**Rogério Bacalhau**, the president of the **Faro Municipal Chamber**, announced today that he plans to leave his municipal role next Monday, pending a favorable vote for his appointment as president of the board of directors at **Águas do Algarve**. Bacalhau, who is currently serving his third consecutive term, cannot run for reelection due to the term limit law. His departure is set for **January 13**, which will elevate current councilor and vice-president **Paulo Santos** to the presidency of the municipality.

In a statement to **Lusa**, Bacalhau confirmed he was invited by the **Águas de Portugal** administration to lead the board of the company responsible for the regional water supply system. The proposal will be presented to the shareholders' assembly on January 13, and once confirmed, he will take on these new responsibilities.

Bacalhau stated, "I was invited to be the president of the board of directors. Águas de Portugal will propose me as president, along with the other members, to be voted on at the shareholders' meeting of Águas do Algarve." He expressed confidence in his election, as his name was proposed by **Águas de Portugal**, the majority shareholder along with 16 municipalities in the Faro district.

His transition to Águas do Algarve will see him succeed **António Eusébio**, another former chamber president. Additionally, former Silves mayor **Isabel Soares** will also step down from her vice-presidency role at Águas do Algarve when the new administration is elected.

This trend of municipal leaders transitioning to regional companies was also noted in May when **Osvaldo Gonçalves**, after 11 years as Alcoutim's mayor, moved to the administration of **Algar**, the Algarve waste management company. Notably, on December 4, it was reported that Bacalhau was preparing to leave his position as president of the Faro municipality.

Rogério Bacalhau disse hoje que prevê deixar o município quando o seu nome for proposto e votado para presidir a Águas do Algarve.

Rogério Bacalhau Set to Transition from Faro Municipality to Lead Águas do Algarve

### Former Minister Found Dead

António Couto dos Santos, a prominent **politician** and former **Minister of Education** during Cavaco Silva's tenure (1992-1993), tragically passed away on Monday, January 6, at the age of **75**, while playing golf at the Citygolf course in **Matosinhos**.

### Circumstances of the Incident

The alert was raised around **11:30 AM** by fellow golfers who spotted a body floating in the lake at the golf course. By the time emergency services arrived, Couto dos Santos was already deceased. The **cause of death** remains unknown, and the golf club officials declined to comment when contacted by Expresso.

### Personal Background

Originally from **Esposende**, Couto dos Santos had a distinguished career as an **engineer** and served in various ministerial roles, including **Minister of Parliamentary Affairs**, **Minister of Youth**, and **Secretary of State for Youth**. He also held the position of president of the executive committee of the **Portuguese Business Association (AEP)**, succeeding European Commissioner **Elisa Ferreira**. 

Couto dos Santos was reportedly at the golf course that morning, but his golf club has yet to be found.

Natural de Esposende, Couto dos Santos tinha 75 anos. Foi ministro da Educação e também presidente da comissão executiva da Associação Empresarial de Portugal (AEP)

Tragic Passing of Former Education Minister António Couto dos Santos Found Dead on Golf Course

## Rogério Bacalhau's Transition to Águas do Algarve

Rogério Bacalhau, the **current president of the Faro municipality**, announced on Monday that he will be leaving his position on **January 13** to take on the role of president of the board of directors at **Águas do Algarve**. This decision comes as Bacalhau is unable to seek re-election due to **term limit laws**. 

Paulo Santos, the current vice-president of the municipality, is set to succeed Bacalhau as the new president of the local government.

### Confirmation of New Role

Bacalhau confirmed to the Lusa agency that he has been invited by the **Águas de Portugal administration** to lead the regional water supply company. His appointment will be proposed and voted on during the **shareholders' assembly of Águas do Algarve** on Monday. Bacalhau expressed confidence in his election, stating, **"The election is basically guaranteed"** since he has been nominated by Águas de Portugal, the majority shareholder.

### Implications for Faro Municipality

With Bacalhau’s departure, Paulo Santos will ascend to leadership of the municipality, just nine months ahead of the next local elections scheduled for **September or October 2025**. Bacalhau’s new role means he will take over from **António Eusébio**, who has also completed three terms as a mayor in São Brás de Alportel.

Additionally, former Silves mayor **Isabel Soares** will step down from her vice-presidency at Águas do Algarve once the new administration is elected.

This transition mirrors a trend seen earlier in May, when **Osvaldo Gonçalves**, the long-serving president of Alcoutim, left his position to join the administration of **Algar**, the Algarve waste management company.

Rogério Bacalhau não se pode recandidatar devido à lei de limitação de mandatos e vai para a Águas do Algarve. O atual vice-presidente do município, Paulo Santos, será o presidente da autarquia.

Rogério Bacalhau Steps Down as Faro Mayor to Lead Águas do Algarve – What’s Next?

## Algarve 2030 Program Promotes Social Inclusion through Culture

The **Algarve 2030 Regional Program** is set to activate a new measure aimed at fostering **social inclusion** through culture, currently supporting **12 projects**. This initiative is designed to be a means to an end, encouraging projects that focus on the **social and economic integration** of vulnerable groups. The **CCDR (Commission for Coordination and Regional Development)** of Algarve, which manages European funds in the region, emphasizes that culture should serve as a **factor for cohesion** and the **promotion of diversity**.

This program aligns with the **European Pillar of Social Rights**, the **National Strategy for Combating Poverty**, and the **National Plan to Combat Racism and Discrimination 2021-2025**.

### Call for Applications: Inclusion through Culture

The recent call for applications titled **"Inclusion through Culture"** aims to promote social inclusion for particularly vulnerable groups through artistic and cultural initiatives. These initiatives ensure access to activities and goods, while also involving these groups in the processes of production and representation of artistic expressions, which is vital for a more inclusive and cohesive development.

![Cultural Inclusion Projects](https://www.barlavento.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ALGARVE-2030-Inclusao-01.jpg)

According to the **CCDR Algarve**, after reviewing the applications, **12 projects** are currently being executed under the **Algarve 2030 Program**. These projects target diverse areas and audiences, including **prisoners, migrants, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, NEET youth**, and those with **mental health issues**.

### Key Activities of Supported Projects

The supported projects focus on developing concrete opportunities for participation through various artistic and cultural expressions, including:
- **Dance classes**
- **Memory sharing and testimonials**
- **Workshops and artistic residencies**
- **Performances and exhibitions**
- **Cultural heritage valorization**
- **Social intervention using artistic practices**
- **Social transformation through artistic and cultural activities**
- **Promotion of interculturality and non-discrimination in schools**
- **Cultural and social training for individuals**
- **Community inclusion and empowerment initiatives**

The approved **FSE+ support** of over **800,000 euros** under the Algarve 2030 Program will highlight culture and art as valuable instruments for **social inclusion**, contributing to **cohesion** and the **promotion of diversity**. 

*Photo: Bruno Filipe Pires*

O Programa Regional ALGARVE 2030 prevê a ativação de uma nova medida de apoio à promoção da inclusão social por via da cultura.

Unlocking Cultural Inclusion: Algarve 2030 Funds 12 Innovative Projects

**Political Reactions to Proposed Amnesty**  
The Portuguese political landscape is reacting to a proposal by Cardinal Américo Aguiar, representing the Catholic Church, for an **amnesty for prisoners** in light of the upcoming **Jubilee of 2025** and the **50th anniversary of the April 25 revolution**.  
  
**Opposition from Chega, IL, and PAN**  
- **Chega** has expressed strong opposition, stating they are against any form of **sentence reduction or pardon**.  
- **IL** (Iniciativa Liberal) also opposes the proposal, arguing against repeated political interference in judicial matters. They believe the **amnesty granted during the World Youth Days** last year has exhausted opportunities for such initiatives.  
- **PAN** (People-Animals-Nature) stated they will not introduce any amnesty law, deeming it **inappropriate** to tie **penal amnesties to religious events**. They suggest that, if the Jubilee is to be referenced, politicians should focus on **environmental respect** and **animal welfare**, as highlighted in the encyclical **Laudato Si**.  
  
**PCP's Consideration**  
The **PCP** (Portuguese Communist Party) is contemplating support for the initiative, emphasizing the need to evaluate the proposal's context and criteria.  
  
**BE's Initiative**  
The **Bloco de Esquerda** (BE) has introduced a petition signed by over **5,800 people**, requesting a broad and significant **amnesty** as part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the April 25th revolution. They plan to actively participate in discussions regarding this petition in parliament.  
  
**Submission of the Proposal**  
Cardinal Aguiar will present the amnesty request to the President of the Assembly of the Republic, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, and it will be addressed to various parliamentary groups. He articulated that the proposal aligns with the Pope's call for a **gesture of hope and trust** towards those who have erred in their lives.  
  
This proposal is part of the formal process for discussing the potential for amnesty as part of the **Jubilee celebration**, which occurs every **25 years**, while also reflecting on Portugal's **democratic achievements** over the past **50 years**.  
  
**Future Discussions**  
Aguiar hopes that the deputies will consider a previously submitted petition in 2025, advocating for amnesty related to those working with prisoners.

Chega, IL e PAN mostraram-se hoje contra o pedido da Igreja Católica para que seja concedida amnistia a reclusos, enquanto o PCP pondera acompanhar esta proposta e o ...

Carlos Costa Neves Appointed as New Secretary-General of the Government After Hélder Rosalino's Rejection

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Other Latest News

Join the Festive Spirit: 'You in the Nativity' Event for Youth in Algarve!

Revolutionary Wind Detection System Enhances Safety at Madeira Airport

Rogério Bacalhau Set to Transition from Faro Municipality to Lead Águas do Algarve

Tragic Passing of Former Education Minister António Couto dos Santos Found Dead on Golf Course

Rogério Bacalhau Steps Down as Faro Mayor to Lead Águas do Algarve – What’s Next?

Unlocking Cultural Inclusion: Algarve 2030 Funds 12 Innovative Projects

Political Parties Unite Against Catholic Church's Proposal for Prisoner Amnesty in Portugal

Other Latest News

Join the Festive Spirit: 'You in the Nativity' Event for Youth in Algarve!

Revolutionary Wind Detection System Enhances Safety at Madeira Airport

Rogério Bacalhau Set to Transition from Faro Municipality to Lead Águas do Algarve

Tragic Passing of Former Education Minister António Couto dos Santos Found Dead on Golf Course

Rogério Bacalhau Steps Down as Faro Mayor to Lead Águas do Algarve – What’s Next?

Unlocking Cultural Inclusion: Algarve 2030 Funds 12 Innovative Projects

Political Parties Unite Against Catholic Church's Proposal for Prisoner Amnesty in Portugal