### Press Conference Announcement
This afternoon, **Miguel Castro** will hold a press conference to announce a **no-confidence motion** against the **Regional Government** led by **Miguel Albuquerque**.  

### Next Steps for the Motion  
Once submitted to the President of the Assembly, the motion must be discussed and voted on **within eight days**. If the motion receives support from the opposition, particularly the **PS** and **JPP**, it could lead to the **fall of the regional government**, necessitating elections to be called by the **President of the Republic**.

Miguel Castro vai realizar, esta tarde, uma conferência de imprensa em que vai anunciar uma moção de censura ao Governo Regional de Miguel Albuquerque.

Chega to Announce No-Confidence Motion Against Regional Government in Press Conference

### PSD-Madeira's Political Commission Meeting

The **PSD-Madeira** political commission has scheduled an **urgent meeting** for **Saturday at 11:00 AM** to discuss the **no-confidence motion** against the **Regional Government**, which was presented by the **Chega party**.  

### Recent Developments

This no-confidence motion was officially submitted this morning in the regional parliament and is expected to be voted on within **eight business days**. The political landscape in Madeira is heating up as parties prepare to respond to the challenges posed by this motion.  

Stay tuned for updates on the outcome of this significant political event.

A comissão política do PSD-Madeira tem uma reunião, urgente, marcada para sábado (11h00), para analisar a moção de censura ao Governo Regional, apresentada pelo Chega.

PSD-Madeira's Urgent Meeting: Will They Support the No-Confidence Motion Against the Regional Government?

### Ricardo Leão Resigns Amid Controversy

After nearly a week at the center of **controversy** for advocating the **"ruthless eviction"** of tenants involved in recent **disturbances** in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, **Ricardo Leão**, the Mayor of Loures, has resigned from his position as the president of the **Lisbon Urban Federation**. 

Leão's comments came in the wake of the **unrest** that led to numerous arrests and heightened tensions in the region. He stated that tenants who participated in the disturbances should be evicted without mercy.

This statement drew criticism from various quarters, including **Pedro Nuno**, who asserted that a leader of the **Socialist Party (PS)** should avoid making **public judgments**. Additionally, **Ascenso Simões** criticized Prime Minister **António Costa**, accusing him of aligning with **fascist** figures like **Viktor Orbán** and **Giorgia Meloni**. 

Leão's resignation marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the Lisbon area, as the PS grapples with internal strife and public backlash over its handling of social issues.

Pedro Nuno defende que um líder do PS não deve fazer “julgamentos na praça pública”. Ascenso Simões ataca Costa, acusando-o de “andar de braço dado com fascistas” como Órban e Meloni.

Controversy Erupts as Loures Mayor Ricardo Leão Resigns from PS Lisbon Federation

### Algarve's New Voice

Despite its significant role in **tourism** and the national **economy**, the Algarve has not gained the influence it deserves among government and political decision-makers. The **Associação Amigos do Algarve** has been established to change this narrative, advocating for the region and its residents under the motto **“For an Algarve with a voice.”**

### Strengthening Connections with the UK Market

Pedro Machado, the Secretary of State for Tourism, highlighted the importance of the British market, which accounts for about **20%** of Portugal's international tourism. He emphasized that showcasing **Portugal** at major global fairs with **112 companies** at the **Tourism of Portugal** stand is crucial for growth. Portugal is now presented as a **diverse tourist destination**, moving beyond just the Algarve, Lisbon, or Madeira.

### A Diverse and Modern Portugal

For many years, Portugal's representation in tourism did not reflect its true diversity. The country has been evolving, showcasing regions like **Porto**, **Centro**, **Açores**, and **Alentejo**, indicating a more equitable distribution of tourism appeal. Machado stated that new **tourism products** are being introduced, with a strong focus on **gastronomy**, **nature**, **art**, and **literature**.

### Promising Future for Tourism

Machado expressed optimism about surpassing **10 million overnight stays** in 2024, following **9 million** stays and nearly **4 million guests** in 2023. The UK market is expected to grow by **9% in revenue** and **3% in visitor flow**, potentially bringing **€5 billion** in revenue from British tourists alone.

### Promoting Sustainability and Events

The Secretary noted the importance of **sustainability** in tourism and how major events like **MotoGP**, **WSL**, and **ICCA** are attracting operators to Portugal. The commitment to a **sustainable tourism strategy** aligns with the growing expectations of British tourists.

### Portugal's Global Image

Machado acknowledged the UK market's potential influence on others, leveraging its position as a powerful financial hub. He emphasized the **safety** of Portugal as a destination, which enhances its appeal globally, particularly regarding health perceptions.

With these developments, the **Associação Amigos do Algarve** aims to ensure the region's voice is heard and respected on all fronts, enhancing its profile in both tourism and political spheres.

Apesar do seu peso no turismo e na economia nacional, o Algarve continua a não ter a importância e a influência que deveria junto dos governos e decisores políticos, defende a Associação Amigos do Algarve que acaba de nascer para dar voz à região turística mais relevante de Portugal e aos algarvios, com o lema “Por um Algarve com voz”.

New Association Emerges to Amplify Algarve's Voice in Tourism and Politics

### President Receives Chega Deputies

On Wednesday, President **Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa** met with around **40 deputies from the Chega party** at the **Palácio de Belém**. This meeting was in response to a request from party leader **André Ventura**, who sought to present a formal protest concerning recent events.

### Purpose of the Meeting

The brief **10-minute** meeting aimed to deliver a written protest regarding the **police actions** following the shooting of **Odair Moniz**, who was killed by police, and the subsequent unrest in **Greater Lisbon**. Ventura expressed gratitude towards the President for accommodating the entire parliamentary group, highlighting the significance of such an unprecedented gathering.

### Criticism of the President's Actions

During a press statement, Ventura criticized Marcelo, claiming he **failed to emphasize the role of the police** and the importance of maintaining their authority. He stated that the President's actions sent a **political signal** that could undermine the police's standing in society, especially after conversing with the family and friends of the deceased Moniz.

### Recent Presidential Activities

The President's office noted that **Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa** had recently engaged in informal visits throughout Greater Lisbon, including discussions with residents in areas affected by the unrest. He had also visited various local institutions, including the police station and a fire station in **Amadora**.

### Chega's Formal Protest

Following these events, Ventura announced his intention to formally protest the President's handling of the situation, indicating a specific date and time for the meeting. This protest reflects ongoing tensions regarding public safety and police authority in Portugal.

Marcelo recebeu esta quarta-feira dezenas de deputados do Chega em Belém, cerca de 40, correspondendo ao pedido de André Ventura para lhe apresentar um protesto com todo o seu grupo parlamentar.

Chega Party Protests to President Marcelo: A Heated Political Encounter

### VINCI Airports Unveils New Direct Routes

**VINCI Airports** has announced the launch of **new direct routes** connecting **Sal Airport** in Cabo Verde to both **Lisbon** and **Porto** airports in Portugal, all operated by **easyJet**. This significant development enhances travel options and strengthens connectivity between these regions.

#### Celebration of New Connections
Last week, the inauguration of the route between **Lisbon** and **Sal Island** was celebrated with a special event at the boarding gate in **Lisbon Airport**. Passengers enjoyed a **traditional cake cutting** and **ribbon cutting ceremony**. Upon arrival at **Amílcar Cabral International Airport** (Sal Airport), festivities continued with music, welcome drinks, and gifts, showcasing the warmth of **Cape Verdean hospitality**.

#### Key Figures in Attendance
The event was graced by notable local figures, including **Carlos Santos**, the Minister of Tourism and Transport, who was welcomed by the CEO of **Cabo Verde Airports**. This celebration underscored the **cultural and economic ties** between **Portugal** and **Cape Verde**.

#### Expanding Connections
Shortly after, teams celebrated the launch of the new route between **Sal** and **Porto**, which will operate **twice weekly** on **Wednesdays** and **Saturdays**. This new connection complements the Lisbon-Sal route, facilitating greater **cultural**, **tourist**, and **economic exchanges** between the two regions.

VINCI Airports celebrates new direct routes between Sal airport in Cabo Verde and both Lisbon and Porto airports in Portugal, all operated by VINCI Airports. Those new routes are operated by easyJet. VINCI Airports celebrated last week the inauguration of the new connection between two airports of the VINCI Airports network – Lisbon and Sal Island – with easyJet. This […]

Exciting New Direct Flights from Cabo Verde to Portugal: A Game Changer for Travel!

### **Lisbon's Cable Removal Initiative**

In a significant urban beautification effort, **Lisbon** has successfully removed **20 kilometers** of cables from its facades over the past ten months. This initiative began as a **pilot project** in January, targeting multiple locations including **Avenida da Igreja**, **Avenida Fontes Pereira de Melo**, and **Largo de São Sebastião da Pedreira**. According to the **Lisbon City Council**, around **200 buildings** were involved in this initial phase.

![Lisboa sem Fios](https://media.timeout.com/images/106198106/750/422/image.jpg)
*Image Credit: DR/CML*

### **Progress and Future Plans**

The city has successfully eliminated both **inactive** and **active cables**, with the latter being relocated underground. The current phase, which commenced in **October** in the **Bairro Azul** area, is set to remove an additional **10 kilometers** of inactive cables from streets such as **Fialho de Almeida** and **Ressano Garcia**. This operation is expected to conclude within two months.

Despite the progress, some areas like **Parada do Alto de São João** and **Avenida da Igreja** still have remnants of cables. In response, the City Council is reviewing the **Public Space Infrastructure Regulation** and creating a support guide for property owners regarding cable removal. It is important to note that requests for removing telecommunications poles or cables on private properties must be directed to the respective operators, as clarified by the **National Communications Authority (ANACOM)**.

"Programa de intervenção para 2025 está a ser ultimado com os operadores de telecomunicações", informa a Câmara de Lisboa.

Lisbon's Bold Move: 20 Kilometers of Unsightly Cables Removed from City Facades

### The Vital Interconnection of Alqueva to Santa Clara and Odelouca Dams

The **interconnection** of Alqueva with the **Santa Clara** and **Odelouca** dams is deemed **essential** for the future of the **Southwest Alentejo** and the **Algarve**, according to the mayors of **Odemira** and **Aljezur**. Hélder Guerreiro, the mayor of Odemira, emphasized that this connection is crucial for the region's sustainability during the meeting titled **"Water for the Future"**.

#### Insufficient Water Supply

Guerreiro pointed out that the current **water inflows** in local reservoirs are **insufficient** to meet the demands of the population, tourism, agriculture, and industry. He stressed the importance of seeking alternative water sources, suggesting that the Alqueva interconnection could be a viable solution.

#### Manifesto for Water Availability

During the event, **34 public and private entities** signed a manifesto advocating for enhanced water availability in the Southwest Alentejo and Algarve. The document, titled **"Water for the Future"**, will be submitted to the government as part of the interministerial strategy **"Water that Unites"**, set to be presented by the government in late 2024.

#### Key Supporters

Among the signatories are municipalities from the Alentejo and Algarve regions, including Odemira, Ourique, Aljezur, Lagoa, Lagos, Monchique, and Vila do Bispo, as well as organizations like **Lusomorango** and the **National Federation of Irrigators**. Regional tourism bodies from Alentejo, Ribatejo, and Algarve also support the initiative.

#### Recommendations for Water Management

The manifesto calls for strengthening Alqueva as a major reservoir for water regulation in southern Portugal and establishing Santa Clara as a hub for distributing water to the Southwest Alentejo and Barlavento Algarve. It advocates for the **Alqueva-Santa Clara-Odelouca** interconnection, which is already linked to the **Funcho-Arade** system, while noting the need for connection to the **Bravura Dam** in Algarve.

#### Economic Implications

Guerreiro warns that failing to implement this project could lead to a **significant** contraction of economic activities in the region, highlighting the urgency for action to secure water resources.

A interligação do Alqueva às barragens de Santa Clara e de Odelouca “é essencial” para o futuro do Sudoeste Alentejano e do Algarve, defenderam ontem os presidentes das câmaras de Odemira e de Aljezur.

Chega to Announce No-Confidence Motion Against Regional Government in Press Conference

Summary:

Press Conference Announcement

Next Steps for the Motion

Comments

Subscribe our newsletter to receive our daily digested news

PortugalToday.news

Other Latest News

PSD-Madeira's Urgent Meeting: Will They Support the No-Confidence Motion Against the Regional Government?

Controversy Erupts as Loures Mayor Ricardo Leão Resigns from PS Lisbon Federation

New Association Emerges to Amplify Algarve's Voice in Tourism and Politics

Chega Party Protests to President Marcelo: A Heated Political Encounter

Exciting New Direct Flights from Cabo Verde to Portugal: A Game Changer for Travel!

Lisbon's Bold Move: 20 Kilometers of Unsightly Cables Removed from City Facades

Essential Water Link: Alqueva Connection to Alentejo and Algarve Regions

Other Latest News

PSD-Madeira's Urgent Meeting: Will They Support the No-Confidence Motion Against the Regional Government?

Controversy Erupts as Loures Mayor Ricardo Leão Resigns from PS Lisbon Federation

New Association Emerges to Amplify Algarve's Voice in Tourism and Politics

Chega Party Protests to President Marcelo: A Heated Political Encounter

Exciting New Direct Flights from Cabo Verde to Portugal: A Game Changer for Travel!

Lisbon's Bold Move: 20 Kilometers of Unsightly Cables Removed from City Facades

Essential Water Link: Alqueva Connection to Alentejo and Algarve Regions