**João Silva**, a prominent figure of the **Chega party** in **Oliveira do Hospital**, has been accused of orchestrating a **trap** against an internal rival following recent elections within the party's local branch. The allegations include **destroying a vehicle** and making **threats with a knife**, raising serious concerns about the internal dynamics and safety within the party. This incident has sparked discussions on the **escalation of conflicts** within political parties and the implications for their public image. The legal proceedings against Silva are set to unfold in the coming weeks, with significant attention from both the media and the public.

João Silva, rosto do partido em Oliveira do Hospital, é arguido por montar emboscada após eleição na Concelhia.

Chega Party Member Faces Serious Charges for Car Destruction and Knife Threats

### Life-Saving Initiatives and Community Projects

**A life-saving drop in Aljezur**, a home visit program in Portimão, and projects fostering creativity among youth and adults were highlighted at the **VIII Meeting of Municipal Leaders in the Algarve**. This event focused on **digitalization, environment, and entrepreneurship**, showcasing **projects that make a difference** in local communities.

The event took place on **March 7** at the **Cineteatro São Brás** in São Brás de Alportel. For the first time, different **Juntas de Freguesia** (parish councils) presented their projects under the theme **“Valuing the Freguesias and Local Power.”**

João Carlos Simões, regional coordinator of **ANAFRE Algarve**, noted that the interest from the freguesias exceeded expectations, leading to a limit of ten presentations. He emphasized that these projects involve **small investments** but have a **huge impact** on their communities, promoting **equality of opportunities**, **inclusion**, and **skills development**.

Simões also highlighted that these initiatives are tailored to meet the **specific needs** of each community, fostering a sense of belonging among residents. He stressed the critical role of municipalities in supporting these initiatives, especially as many current leaders cannot run again due to term limits.

The meeting also introduced a new communication strategy for ANAFRE Algarve, including the activation of new **Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages** to serve all freguesias in the region. An **annual magazine** will also be published to promote the work of individual councils.

In closing, José Apolinário, president of CCDR Algarve, urged local leaders to advocate for **cohesion policy**, emphasizing that it transcends party lines and is crucial for improving **quality of life**. Jorge Veloso, president of ANAFRE's board, praised the innovative nature of the meeting and the commitment of local leaders to their communities.

### Presented Projects
Under the theme of **“Valuing the Freguesias and Local Power,”** here are the ten projects presented:
- **‘O PT vai a Casa’** – JF de Portimão, Maria da Luz Nunes
- **‘Ferragudo Digital’** – JF de Ferragudo, Luís Alberto
- **‘Férias Desportivas’** — JF de Pechão, Paulo Salero
- **‘Quarto Minguante – Clubes de Teatro do 1.º ciclo’** — UF Querença, Tôr e Benafim, Margarida Correia
- **‘Recolha de Águas Pluviais em Escolas’** – UF Faro, Bruno Lage
- **‘Dinamização do Espaço Comunidade’** – JF de São Brás de Alportel, João Rosa
- **‘USO – Universidade Sénior de Olhão’** – JF de Olhão, Rui Gabriel
- **‘Gabinete de Apoio ao Emprego e ao Empreendedorismo’** — JF de Vila Real de Santo António, Valentim Santos
- **‘Projeto GOTA’** – JF de Aljezur, Eugénio Arez
- **Candidatura Nacional do ‘Bolo de Tacho’** — JF de Monchique, José Gonçalo

![ANAFRE Meeting](https://www.sulinformacao.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ANAFRE-Encontro-Regional-Algarve-2025-1-1024x683.jpg)

Uma gota que salva vidas em Aljezur, um PT que vai a casa a Portimão, projetos que estimulam a criatividade de jovens e menos jovens em várias freguesias algarvias, digitalização, ambiente e empreendedorismo estiveram em foco no VIII Encontro de Autarcas do…

Innovative Projects Unveiled at the Algarve Municipal Leaders' Meeting

## Double Trouble: Storms Konrad and Another on the Horizon

**Portugal is set to face not one, but two storms in just two days.** After barely recovering from the impact of Storm Jana, the country is bracing for a frontal system associated with **Storm Konrad** on Wednesday and a yet unnamed depression on Thursday. These storms are expected to bring **heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail, snow, strong winds, and rough seas**. 

This unstable weather pattern is likely to take a brief pause only on Friday and possibly Saturday, but **instability will persist into next week**, with constant shifts expected until at least the beginning of Spring, which officially starts on March 20 at 9:01 AM.

### What to Expect
- **Storm Konrad**, the 11th storm of the season, will remain stationary north of the Azores and has already impacted the islands on Tuesday. The first effects will be felt in Madeira early Wednesday morning, with warnings for **rain and wind (yellow alert)** and **sea agitation (orange alert)**.
- As the storm reaches the mainland on Wednesday morning, expect another day of **heavy rain**, particularly in central and southern Portugal, with potential flooding in some areas. **Snow is forecasted** for the districts of Castelo Branco and Guarda, with altitudes potentially dropping to 800-1000 meters.
- **On Thursday**, the storm will hit the southern mainland in the early morning, bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms, with wind gusts of up to 60 km/h in the Algarve and waves of 4-5 meters. Yellow alerts have already been issued for **heavy rain** in Faro, Beja, Évora, and Setúbal.
- Heavy snow is also expected in the higher elevations of **Serra da Estrela**.

### A Clash of Air Masses
The upcoming weather is due to a **clash of air masses**. While southern Europe, including Greece, Romania, and Turkey, experiences temperatures reaching up to 30°C from warm air, Portugal, Spain, and France might struggle to hit 10°C, facing heavy snowfall instead.

**From March 13 to at least March 17**, the Iberian Peninsula will experience a **period of low temperatures** as winter makes a brief return. This clash is responsible for **intense rainfall, more powerful thunderstorms, and the potential for hail**.

### Looking Ahead
Rain is expected to return over the weekend, as the train of storms continues until at least the start of Spring next week. Following this Wednesday and Thursday's storms, another powerful system is forecasted to arrive by Sunday.

Chuva vai continuar: há alertas para o sul do país. E o frio está a chegar: uma luta de massas de ar, fria e quente, trará neve, trovoadas e granizo. Vem outro comboio de tempestades até à primavera.

Brace Yourself: Portugal Braces for Two Storms Bringing Rain and Snow!

## Political Stability and the Recovery Plan

The **Monitoring Committee for the Recovery and Resilience Plan** stated today that despite the recent **collapse of Luís Montenegro's Government**, the execution of the plan should not be affected. However, they emphasized the need for prompt decision-making.

Pedro Dominguinhos, President of the National Monitoring Committee for the Recovery and Resilience Plan (CNA-PRR), mentioned, "In the next two months, we will experience a period of political uncertainty. Regardless of this situation, which always creates some entropy, there are instruments available for the caretaker government to approve necessary measures for the effective execution of the PRR."

### Current Discussions and Funding Requests

The **reprogramming of the PRR**, which was recently presented, is currently under discussion in **Brussels**, while the sixth payment request is being evaluated. For the **seventh disbursement request**, evidence is being gathered to establish a timeline.

According to the Monitoring Committee, it will be up to the caretaker government to decide whether there is enough time to collect this data or if it will fall to the next administration.

### Maintaining Investment Momentum

Dominguinhos expressed optimism that even in scenarios of political instability, the execution of the PRR can remain unaffected. He urged that ongoing investments should continue and even be accelerated, with preparations for planned investments to be made so they can be launched once the reprogramming is approved.

### Call for Timely Decisions

The committee made a plea for timely decision-making and for public administration bodies to continue their decision-making processes. If the reprogramming is approved during this period, it is crucial to start preparing tenders for new investments and to allow for applications to be submitted.

### Government Collapse

The **Assembly of the Republic** today rejected the confidence motion put forth by the government, leading to its resignation. The motion saw opposition from the **PS, Chega, BE, PCP, Livre**, and the lone PAN deputy, **Inês Sousa Real**, while the **PSD, CDS-PP**, and **Iniciativa Liberal** voted in favor.

According to the Constitution, the rejection of a confidence motion necessitates the **resignation of the government**. Luís Montenegro's executive is now in caretaker mode, limited to strictly necessary or urgent actions to continue its activities.

A Comissão de Acompanhamento do Plano de Recuperação e Resiliência defendeu hoje, após a queda do Governo de Luís Montenegro, que a execução do plano não deve ser afetada, mas pediu que sejam tomadas decisões.

Political Uncertainty: Will Portugal's Recovery Plan Stay on Track?

## Welcome to the **Better Tourism Lisbon**
The BTL marks its 35th anniversary with a rebranding from Bolsa de Turismo de Lisboa to **Better Tourism Lisbon** Travel Market. This change aims to enhance its international positioning while expanding its **B2B and B2C offerings**.

## Check-in
The fair kicks off on Wednesday at FIL - Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre, starting with professionals. The general public can enter from **5 PM on Friday**. The fair runs Saturday from **12 PM to 11 PM** and Sunday from **12 PM to 8 PM**. Tickets are priced at **€8** each (or **€20** for three and **€26** for four) and can be purchased online at [btl.fil.pt](https://btl.fil.pt).

## World Map of Destinations
This year, BTL expects to attract **around 80,000 visitors**, featuring about **1,500 exhibitors** and **600 events** over five days. The fair will showcase national and international destinations across four pavilions, including **gastronomy**, **enotourism**, and unique segments like **Weddings** and **Wellness**. Families can enjoy the **Kids Route**, where children receive a passport for a fun adventure.

## A Passport to 4,000 Prizes
Visitors can explore international destinations through the **BTL Passport**, with a chance to win **4,000 prizes**, including trips, vouchers, and hotel stays.

## Featured Municipality: **Leiria**
This year’s spotlight is on **Leiria**, humorously addressing its lesser-known status in the tourism sector with the phrase “Leiria doesn’t exist.” The municipality will showcase its heritage and gastronomy in Pavilion 2, promoting its growth potential in tourism.

## National Destination: **Alentejo and Ribatejo**
Representing a mega tourism region, Alentejo and Ribatejo will present numerous projects, live cooking demonstrations, and cultural performances, emphasizing their rich history and offerings.

## International Destination: **Cuba**
Cuba is this year’s International Guest Destination, showcasing its cultural diversity, music, and culinary delights, aiming to maintain its popularity with Portuguese travelers.

## A Different Destination: **Ukraine**
Despite its current challenges, Ukraine participates to promote solidarity and future tourism, emphasizing its cultural heritage and inviting visitors to support its recovery.

## Music and Entertainment
Throughout the fair, various performances will occur, including fado and regional folklore. Notable acts include the **Casa de Fados da Cuca Roseta**, with performances scheduled daily.

## Taste the World
Visitors can enjoy a variety of global flavors, from coffee and wines to Brazilian delights and even learn arts like **origami** and **calligraphy**. The fair offers a plethora of experiences, making each day unique!

Abre a maior feira de turismo do país: de 4.ª a 6.ª para profissionais, a partir das 17h de sexta para todos. Entre promoções e passatempos, festa e destinos, a BTL é também uma viagem.

Explore the Exciting BTL: Lisbon's Premier Tourism Fair Unveils New Features and Destinations!

**Critical Waste Management Alert in Algarve**  
The capacity for waste disposal in **landfills** across the Algarve, North, and Lisbon & Vale do Tejo regions is projected to be completely exhausted by **2027** unless urgent measures are implemented, warns the Secretary of State for the Environment, **Emídio Sousa**.  
  
**Current Situation of Algarve Landfills**  
The two landfills in the Algarve, located in **Cortelha (Loulé)** and **Rasmalho (Portimão)**, are in a **critical state**, with predictions of depletion as early as **2026**. If construction and upgrades occur, this could extend to **2030**.  
  
Emídio Sousa highlighted that of the **35 landfills** in Portugal, only **13** have more than **20%** available capacity, with some potentially running out in just **two years** without immediate action.  
  
**Resistance to Expansion**  
The expansion of existing landfills faces considerable opposition from local communities, complicating the establishment of new facilities.  
  
**Action Plan for Waste Management**  
The newly presented **action plan** for waste management outlines an urgent need for intervention, with an estimated **€2.1 billion** investment required by **2030**, including **€700 million** from various funding programs.  
  
The **TERRA** plan, which stands for Transforming Waste into Natural Resources Efficiently, was unveiled at the **Ministry of Environment and Energy**. Minister **Maria da Graça Carvalho** noted that Portugal produces **5.338 million tons** of urban waste annually, surpassing countries like **Italy**, **Netherlands**, and **Spain**. Alarmingly, **59%** of this waste is sent to landfills, hindering the country’s ability to meet European targets of limiting landfill waste to **10%** by **2035**.  
  
**Key Proposals of the TERRA Plan**  
The plan aims to prevent waste generation, promote a **circular economy**, expand infrastructure capacity, and enhance institutional action. Notable proposals include:  
- Establishing two new **energy recovery units**, one in the **Central region** and another smaller one in **Alentejo/Algarve**.  
- Increasing energy recovery capacity at existing facilities like **Lipor** (North) and **Valorsul** (Lisbon & Vale do Tejo).  
- Implementing the **Circular Economy Action Plan** for **2024-2030** and launching a national awareness campaign.  
  
**Urgent Need for Action**  
The plan emphasizes the necessity to bolster investments, expedite administrative processes, and reassess legal frameworks.  
  
In the northern region, landfill situations are deemed critical, with potential depletion in **two to three years** unless new engineering solutions are applied. The **Seixal** landfill is particularly alarming, expected to run out next year.  
  
While the **Alentejo** region has sufficient capacity until **2030**, the Algarve is at risk of running out by **2026**, extendable to **2030** with upgrades.  
  
The document underscores that waste management is in a state of emergency, with current treatment capacities deemed insufficient.  
  
In 2023, **19%** more biorowaste was collected compared to the previous year, yet this is still considered inadequate, with only **14%** of urban waste recycled.  
  
When asked about the continuity of the plan amidst potential government changes, Emídio Sousa expressed confidence that the TERRA plan provides a viable solution to Portugal's waste problem, emphasizing that without it, the country may lack landfill options within two years.

A capacidade de deposição de resíduos em aterros sanitários no Algarve, Norte e Lisboa e Vale do Tejo pode esgotar-se até 2027, se não forem tomadas medidas urgentes, anunciou o secretário de Estado do Ambiente. Os dois aterros sanitários da região algarvia,…

Algarve Landfills on the Brink: Urgent Action Needed by 2027

![Algarve Citrus](https://www.agroportal.pt/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ccdr-algarve.gif)

**CCDR Algarve**'s President José Apolinário and Vice-President Pedro Valadas Monteiro will participate in the event **“Citrinos do Algarve – IGP, a valuable asset for promoting tourism in the region”** on March 12 at 14:00 at the **BTL – Better Tourism Lisbon Travel Market 2025**. This initiative, in partnership with **AlgarOrange** and the Algarve Tourism Region, aims to enhance the visibility of Algarve's citrus fruits.

The event will kick off with a presentation of a **study on the perception and consumption of Algarve oranges**, developed by students from the **University of Algarve**. Attendees will also enjoy a **tasting session featuring innovative cocktails** made with Algarve oranges and other local agro-food products, curated by the **Vila Real de Santo António School of Hospitality and Tourism** in collaboration with **AlgarOrange**.

**AlgarOrange**, founded in 2018, is a non-profit organization representing Algarve's citrus producers, accounting for approximately **40% of the region's citrus production** and **30% of national production**. The Algarve is home to the **largest citrus production** in Portugal, with **87% of the country’s orange production** occurring here. The 2023-2024 campaign has seen a **10% increase** in productivity compared to the last decade.

This production generates an annual revenue of **€180 million**. In 2023, regional fruit exports exceeded **€107.5 million**, making up **37% of Algarve's exports**, with oranges being the third most exported fruit in Portugal. **90% of these exports** go to the European market, particularly to Spain, France, and Poland.

The **EU-regulated label** ensures the authenticity of the product. The **Citrinos do Algarve IGP (Protected Geographical Indication)** boasts unique characteristics such as a thin, colorful peel and high juice content. In the last decade, the IGP certification has significantly contributed to the growth of Algarve’s agro-food sector, with a record of **64,000 tons** of IGP Citrus sold in the 2023/24 campaign, marking a **360% increase** since 2016/17.

With support from European funds, the citrus sector has undergone transformations, investing in production technologies, including efficient irrigation management and fruit processing for commercialization.

The initiative **“Citrinos do Algarve – IGP, a valuable asset for promoting tourism in the region”** is part of the **PDR2020-20.2-FEADER-092942 (Technical Assistance RRN 2023)** program.

*Source: CCDR Algarve*

O Presidente e o Vice-Presidente da Comissão de Coordenação e Desenvolvimento Regional (CCDR) do Algarve, I. P., José Apolinário e Pedro Valadas Monteiro, respetivamente, participam na ação “Citrinos do Algarve – IGP, um ativo para a promoção turística da Região”, evento promovido pela CCDR Algarve | Agricultura e Pescas, em parceria com a AlgarOrange – […]

Discover the Algarve's Citrus Treasures at Lisbon's Tourism Fair

## Enhancing Railway Connections to Spain

The **National Railway Plan** outlines strategic priorities to enhance **railway connections to Spain**, particularly focusing on **high-speed lines**. Improving access to major urban areas is also a key goal.

The plan was approved during a recent **Council of Ministers** meeting, directing **Infraestruturas de Portugal** to conduct necessary studies for the following railway investments:

- **Modernization and electrification** of the Vouga Line, ensuring full interoperability with the North Line.
- Evaluation of options for a **direct connection from the West Line to Lisbon**, specifically to the **Cintura Line**.
- Strengthening **cross-border connections to Spain**, including high-speed links between **Porto/Vila Real/Bragança/Spain**, as well as connections from **Aveiro/Viseu/Salamanca** and **Faro/Huelva**.

This approved plan confirms the development priorities for the **high-speed network**, which includes already approved routes from the previous administration, such as **Porto-Lisbon**, **Porto-Vigo**, and **Lisbon-Madrid**.

## Public Consultation and Legislative Support

The investments outlined in the national railway plan were subject to public consultation initiated by the previous government. They are considered the result of extensive public feedback, complying with legal frameworks and a **parliamentary resolution** recommending the plan's approval. Discussions with Spain during the latest **Luso-Spanish summit** also contributed to the final outcome.

The **Ministry of Infrastructure** has indicated that the realization of these projects in the medium term is part of the **National Investment Program 2030**, which is also a continuation from the previous government.

Minister **Miguel Pinto Luz** emphasized the importance of addressing the backlog in railway development, stating, "It is crucial for Portugal to catch up on railway infrastructure. Defining priorities and investing in modernization is a complex process that has dragged on for years, and we must have the courage to pursue it if we want to honor international commitments and, above all, commitments to the Portuguese people."

Plano Ferroviário Nacional estabelece como prioridades as ligações a Espanha a partir de Bragança, Viseu e Faro/Huelva. E pede estudos sobre ligação da Linha do Oeste à Linha de Cintura em Lisboa

Chega Party Member Faces Serious Charges for Car Destruction and Knife Threats

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