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.

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

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

## New Labor Migration Protocol in Portugal  
A new **labor migration protocol** has been established to streamline the hiring of foreign workers in Portugal. This agreement, signed after four months of negotiations, involves the government, employer confederations, and various stakeholders.  
  
### Quick Visa Processing  
The protocol mandates that **visas must be granted within 20 days** from the date of the applicant's visit to the consulate, provided that all **legal requirements** are met, including the existence of a **work contract**, health insurance, and travel insurance.  
  
### Economic Development  
Luís Montenegro emphasized that the goal is to create **investment conditions** and make Portugal more attractive for companies, both existing and new. The document highlights that **labor immigration is crucial for Portugal's economic growth**, noting that immigrants represent a significant part of the workforce in key sectors such as **agriculture, fishing, construction, tourism, services, and industry**.  
  
### Addressing Labor Market Gaps  
Immigrants help to fill **gaps in the labor market**, ensuring the continuation of various economic activities. The protocol outlines that **companies involved** must ensure valid employment contracts, provide adequate housing, and facilitate professional training and Portuguese language learning.  
  
### Implementation Timeline  
This protocol will come into effect on the date of its signing, and applications may start from **April 15, 2025**. It has been signed by employer confederations, business associations, and various governmental bodies, including the **Directorate General for Consular Affairs and Portuguese Communities** (DGACCP) and the **Institute for Employment and Professional Training** (IEFP).

Está assinado o protocolo de cooperação para a migração laboral regulada. Após quatro meses de negociações, o acordo foi assinado ao início da tarde desta terça-feira entre o Governo confederações patronais e representantes de várias entidades. 


Portugal's New Labor Migration Protocol: Fast-Tracked Visas in Just 20 Days!

### Weather Warning for Madeira and Porto Santo
The **Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA)** has issued a **yellow warning** for **high seas, precipitation, and strong winds** in Madeira and Porto Santo until **Thursday, April 3rd**.

### Details of the Weather Warning
- **Northern Coast**: The warning for high seas will be in effect from **9 AM tomorrow** until **3 PM Thursday**, with waves from the northwest reaching **4 to 4.5 meters**.
- **Heavy Rain**: Expect heavy rainfall between **midnight and 6 AM** on Thursday.
- **Strong Winds**: Winds from the **west** with gusts up to **80 km/h** will be under yellow alert from **midnight to 6 PM** on April 3rd, especially in the eastern and western extremes of Madeira Island.
- **Southern Coast**: The warning for high seas with southwest waves up to **4 meters** will be valid from **midnight to noon** on Thursday.
- **Mountain Regions**: Warnings for **heavy rain and strong winds** from the west with gusts up to **100 km/h** between **midnight and 6 PM** on April 3rd.
- **Porto Santo**: The island will also be under warnings for high seas, with northwest waves of **4 to 4.5 meters** from **9 AM Wednesday until 3 PM Thursday**, heavy rain from **midnight to 6 AM**, and winds from the west with gusts up to **80 km/h** from **midnight to 6 PM Thursday**.

O Instituto Português do Mar e Atmosfera (IPMA) colocou a Madeira e o Porto Santo sob aviso amarelo para agitação marítima, precipitação e vento até quinta-feira, dia 3 de Abril.&nbsp;

Severe Weather Alert: Heavy Rain, Wind, and High Seas Expected in Madeira

### New Direct Route from Algarve to Iceland

For the **first time ever**, the Algarve region will have **direct flights** to Iceland, with the inaugural **Faro-Reykjavik** route set to launch on **April 12**. The Icelandic airline **Play** is spearheading this initiative, aiming to attract Icelandic travelers to the sunny Algarve.

### Flight Details

From **April 12** to **October 29**, there will be **two weekly flights** operating on **Saturdays and Wednesdays**. According to Play's website, the **minimum fare** for a one-way ticket starts at **70 euros**, though prices can vary significantly depending on the season. For instance, a round trip in early August is currently priced around **280 euros**.

To celebrate this new season, Play has launched a **discount campaign**, offering **25% off** for bookings made by **April 3**, applicable to flights in May, September, and December (using the code **PLAY25**).

### Expanding Opportunities

Although the route is currently scheduled to operate only until the end of October, the **Tourism of Algarve** is optimistic about extending it year-round. They view this new connection as a chance to **strengthen ties** with a burgeoning tourist market and diversify the region's visitor demographics.

On **April 3**, an event will be held in Reykjavik to further promote the Algarve to **travel agents, tour operators, and journalists**, aiming to showcase the region's potential as a year-round destination that offers more than just sun and sea.

### Connecting to North America

Play is not just focusing on Iceland; it also positions Reykjavik as a **central hub** for transatlantic flights to the **USA and Canada**, including cities like **New York, Washington, and Toronto**. This could potentially increase tourist traffic from North America to the Algarve, as highlighted by André Gomes, president of the Tourism of Algarve.

With this new route, the Algarve is set to **attract more visitors** and enhance its global appeal as a top destination.

É uma novíssima rota para a região: Faro-Reiquejavique estreia a 12 de Abril. A companhia aérea Play lança campanha, Turismo do Algarve quer seduzir islandeses.

Algarve Launches Exciting Direct Flights to Iceland: A New Travel Opportunity Awaits!

### Constitutional Court's Ruling

The **Constitutional Court** has ruled that the **PSD** and **CDS** parties cannot run under the name **'Aliança Democrática'** (AD) without the **Partido Popular Monárquico** (PPM) being part of the coalition. The decision, confirmed by **Público**, was communicated following the court's evaluation of the parties' request.

### Implications of the Decision

According to the court, using the name AD could potentially **mislead voters** into believing that the coalition still includes the monarchical party, as it did in the past. In the **March 2024** legislative elections, the coalition, which included the PPM, won by a narrow margin of about **50,000 votes** against the **PS**.

### PPM's Departure from the Coalition

The PPM's absence from the electoral campaign and its exit from the coalition were attributed to **disputes over placement** on candidate lists. The PPM has expressed strong opposition to the continued use of the name AD, claiming to feel **seriously harmed** by the PSD and CDS's actions. They have threatened legal action to prevent the name from being used in the elections.

### Future Steps for PSD and CDS

In response to the court ruling, the PSD and CDS have considered changing their coalition name to **'AD - Aliança Democrática - PSD/CDS'**, although this has not satisfied the PPM. The electoral law requires that coalition names be submitted for approval before the actual candidacies are presented, which means the PSD and CDS must decide whether to adopt a new name or appeal the court's decision.

### Background on the Coalition Dynamics

The relationship between the parties has been tumultuous, with the PPM previously rejecting participation in the coalition before agreeing to join, influenced by its ability to affect the coalition's agenda. As the situation evolves, the PSD and CDS are faced with critical decisions regarding their political branding and strategy in the upcoming elections.

O PSD e CDS não irão a votos com o PPM e por isso, no entendimento do Tribunal Constitucional, não podem manter o nome da coligação AD para não induzir os eleitores em erro.

Constitutional Court Rules: PSD/CDS Cannot Use 'Aliança Democrática' Name Without PPM

### Algarve Tourism's Bold Move to Iceland

**Algarve Tourism** is set to showcase its stunning destination in **Iceland** on **April 3rd**, coinciding with the launch of the new **Faro-Reykjavik** flight route starting on **April 12**. This exciting event is organized in collaboration with **PLAY Airlines** and will welcome **50 participants**, including travel agents, tour operators, and Icelandic journalists.

The primary goal of this initiative is to **highlight Algarve's potential** as a premier destination for this new market. The region aims to enhance its year-round appeal, showcasing a diverse range of offerings that extend beyond just **sun and sea**. According to the **Algarve Tourism Association (ATA)**, this route will create new connections with key markets like the **USA** and **Canada**. Currently, **PLAY Airlines** operates from cities such as **Baltimore, Boston, New York, Washington D.C.,** and **Toronto**, facilitating increased access for American tourists to the Algarve region.

**André Gomes**, president of Algarve Tourism, stated, "The establishment of this route is the result of ongoing collaboration with the airline and Faro airport, presenting a strategic opportunity for our destination." He added, "The arrival of **PLAY Airlines** at Faro enhances Algarve's status as a globally accessible and diverse destination. We are confident that this new route will boost tourist flows from **North America**, a key market we have been focusing on for the region."

O Turismo do Algarve vai realizar esta quinta-feira, 3 de Abril, uma apresentação do destino na Islândia, no âmbito da nova rota aérea Faro-Reiquiavique que começa no dia 12 deste mês. «O evento, organizado em parceria com a PLAY Airlines, vai contar…

Algarve Tourism Launches Exciting New Route to Iceland

![FNAM Advocates for Public Health](https://www.fnam.pt/images/2025/04/01/CI%20SP.jpg)

**The National Federation of Doctors (FNAM)** unites the Northern, Central, and Southern Medical Unions to defend the rights and interests of physicians and the National Health Service (SNS). Despite being in management mode, the Ministry of Health, led by Ana Paula Martins, is attempting to reorganize the Public Health map in a way that **violates the law** and limits access to healthcare for the population.

The proposal to reduce the five regional health delegations (North, Center, Lisbon and Tagus Valley, Alentejo, Algarve) to three (North, Center, South) is a **serious attack** on the decentralized organization of healthcare in Portugal. This move would exacerbate existing inequalities in the southern regions, particularly affecting Alentejo and Algarve.

The attempt to merge the health structures of Alentejo and Algarve into a "**Southern Regional Delegation**" alongside the Lisbon and Tagus Valley region violates the **Decree-Law No. 54/2024**. This proposal disregards the unique needs of these regions, which require autonomy to respond effectively to their specific realities. It will worsen the disparities in healthcare services and perpetuate inadequate access for local populations.

Both Alentejo and Algarve are experiencing an **extreme shortage of healthcare professionals**, limiting access to specialized services and facing geographical dispersion and seasonality issues. These regions cannot be treated merely as extensions of the capital or summer destinations; their populations deserve respect and public health services that meet their needs.

The FNAM demands adherence to the **law** and the **Statute of the National Health Service (SNS)** by maintaining Regional Health Delegations. This ensures that Alentejo and Algarve retain their own structures and that decisions regarding public health are made by those who truly understand local needs, fully respecting their regional autonomy.

A FNAM é a voz dos médicos a nível nacional na luta pela valorização da carreira médica e na defesa e promoção de um SNS forte e capaz de responder à população.

FNAM Advocates for Public Health in Alentejo and Algarve Based on Regional Needs

### **Mariana Vieira da Silva Takes the Helm Again**

The former minister **Mariana Vieira da Silva** is back at the forefront, leading the **PS candidate list for Lisbon** as approved by the FAUL. She is followed by deputies **Pedro Delgado Alves** and **Miguel Cabrita**. Notably, **Hugo Mendes**, the former Secretary of State for Infrastructure, joins the list as a new face.

### **Approval Process**

A source from PS revealed to Lusa that this list was approved during a meeting of the **Political Commission of the Lisbon Urban Area Federation (FAUL)**, which took place last night. The final approval of this and other candidate lists is scheduled for the National Political Commission meeting on Wednesday.

### **Familiar Faces and New Additions**

As in the early elections of last year, **Mariana Vieira da Silva** is the top choice for the **Lisbon electoral circle**. The list includes:
- **Edite Estrela** (4th)
- **Sérgio Sousa Pinto** (5th)
- **Pedro Vaz** (6th)
- **Isabel Moreira** (7th)
- **Ricardo Lima** (8th)
- **Miguel Costa Matos** (9th)
- **Ana Paula Bernardo** (10th)

### **Spotlight on Hugo Mendes**

Hugo Mendes, positioned at **14th**, was previously Secretary of State under **Pedro Nuno Santos** and was involved in the controversial settlement paid to former TAP administrator **Alexandra Reis**.

The list also features:
- **André Rijo** (11th)
- **Davide Amado** (12th), leader of PS/Lisbon
- **Maria Begonha** (13th)
- **Pedro Pinto** (15th), who currently holds the interim presidency of FAUL.

### **Upcoming Approvals**

The **National Political Commission of PS** will meet on Wednesday to finalize the lists of candidates for the early legislative elections. According to PS statutes, the Secretary-General **Pedro Nuno Santos** is responsible for appointing one-third of the total seats, while the remaining two-thirds fall under the jurisdiction of the federative political commissions of each electoral circle.

Ex-ministra de António Costa volta a liderar lista do PS por Lisboa. Hugo Mendes, ex-secretário de Estado das Infrae-estruturas, é novidade.

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

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Algarve Tourism Launches Exciting New Route to Iceland

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Mariana Vieira da Silva Leads PS Candidate List for Lisbon with Newcomer Hugo Mendes