**Funchal** is filled with party posters ahead of the **early elections** this Sunday, showcasing their party leaders prominently. **Paulo Cafôfo** from PS promises “stability and commitment”; **Élvio Sousa** from JPP claims he is ready to govern; **José Manuel Rodrigues** from CDS assures a “sense of responsibility”; and **Mónica Freitas** from PAN aims to “sow hope.” In contrast, the **PSD** has chosen not to display **Miguel Albuquerque**, the candidate and current President of the Regional Government of Madeira, who is under investigation for various crimes, including **corruption**. The electoral campaign has been overshadowed by **legal suspicions** surrounding members of the regional government, raising questions about governance. The atmosphere is tense as parties navigate these allegations while vying for control.

A campanha às eleições regionais, que ecoou a anterior, ficou refém das suspeitas judiciais sobre membros do governo regional e dos cenários de governabilidade.

Elections in Madeira: Suspicion and Strategic Alliances Amid Political Tensions

### Aircraft Accident in Vila Nova de Cerveira

An **aircraft** crashed on Wednesday at the **Cerval Aerodrome** in Vila Nova de Cerveira. The accident was confirmed by the **Vila Nova de Cerveira Volunteer Firefighters**, who received the alert in the early afternoon.

According to information gathered, the **aircraft** was being used for an **exam**, with a student and an examiner on board. Both individuals suffered injuries and **rescue operations** are currently underway.

The **Civil Protection** website reported that **seven vehicles** and **18 personnel** were mobilized to the scene to provide assistance.

Aeronave caiu no aeródromo de Cerval, Vila Nova de Cerveira, com aluno e examinador a bordo. Alerta foi recebido pelos bombeiros ao início da tarde desta quarta-feira.

Aircraft Crash in Vila Nova de Cerveira: Exam Turned Emergency

### A Bold Proposal for Housing in Portugal

The Secretary-General of the Socialist Party (PS), **Pedro Nuno Santos**, has put forth a compelling proposal to allocate a portion of the **dividends from Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD)** to fund local municipalities in their efforts to construct housing. He emphasized that this initiative addresses what he considers **"the main national problem"**.

During the opening session focused on housing, which marks the beginning of the electoral program update leading to the **2025 Legislative Manifesto**, Santos stated, **"We believe it is a good idea that part of the CGD dividends feed a state account that allows our municipalities to access financing for housing projects."** According to him, **"the state has this capacity, the country has this need"**, and many municipalities in Portugal possess the **dynamism and initiative** needed to build housing for the **middle-income population**.

In 2024, the public bank distributed **50% of its net income** to the state, which amounted to approximately **€1.6 billion**, largely derived from housing revenue. Santos expressed his desire to hear from former government officials and experts in the field to enhance the PS's political response to this pressing issue.

### Addressing Housing Challenges

Santos argued that **"there is no silver bullet for housing"**, and that all possible solutions must be explored. He called for a significant increase in **public construction and rehabilitation of public properties**, asserting that **"the state has the obligation to scale up public construction"**, a key objective of the PS.

Criticizing the current PSD/CDS-PP government, Santos claimed their housing measures have only **worsened the problem**, particularly highlighting the impact of the **IMT exemption**, which has pushed **young people further away from home ownership**. He acknowledged the need to possibly regulate the housing market, stating that housing is increasingly viewed as a **financial asset** rather than a basic living necessity.

### The Need for More Houses

Santos pointed out that **transnational demand** has severe repercussions on prices and has excluded many Portuguese from accessing housing, stating that **"we have no doubt that we need more houses in the market. This requires regulation and mobilization of numerous vacant properties."** He noted that while Portugal used to construct **100,000 units per year**, the current figure has dropped to around **30,000**. Many of these units are located in areas where they are not as needed, complicating efforts to ensure they are used for housing.


Segundo o líder do PS, 'o Estado tem essa capacidade, o país tem essa necessidade' e há autarquias em Portugal 'com uma grande capacidade, dinamismo e iniciativa' para, com recursos, 'poderem construir habitação para a população de rendimentos intermédios'.

Transforming Portugal's Housing Crisis: PS Proposes Funding Solutions from CGD Dividends

### Water Levels Surge in Algarve

The **six reservoirs** supplying the Algarve have reached **84%** of their total water storage capacity, thanks to recent rains that added **30 million cubic meters** of water, as reported by the **Portuguese Environment Agency (APA)**.

According to APA President **Pimenta Machado**, this marks a **historic record** for the Algarve region. However, he emphasized the need for **responsible water management** to ensure sustainability. "We have more water now, and the Algarve is much more stable, but we must continue to use water responsibly to secure the future," he stated.

### Significant Increase in Water Volume

The total volume of water in the six reservoirs has increased to **376 hectometers cubed (hm3)**, a rise of about **217 hm3** since March 2024, when the volume was only **159 hm3**, or **36%** of capacity. Compared to the same period last year, there is an increase of **99 hm3** in the eastern Algarve and **118 hm3** in the western Algarve.

### Reservoir Capacities

- **Odeleite Reservoir**: 98% full (127.34 hm3)
- **Beliche Reservoir**: 91% full (43.81 hm3)
- **Funcho Reservoir**: 82% full (39.12 hm3)
- **Odelouca Reservoir**: 82% full (129.28 hm3)
- **Arade Reservoir**: 59% full (16.80 hm3)
- **Bravura Reservoir**: 56% full (19.35 hm3)

Last week, the **Odeleite Dam**, the most crucial in the eastern Algarve, opened its gates for a **controlled water release** for the first time since **2018**. The **Beliche Dam**, also in the Faro district, underwent a similar release.

### Government Measures

On **March 14**, the government announced a **relaxation of water consumption restrictions** in the Algarve, imposing a **5% reduction** across agriculture, urban areas, and tourism sectors.

As seis barragens que abastecem o Algarve estão com 84% da capacidade total de armazenamento de água, tendo as chuvas dos últimos dias acrescentado mais 30 milhões de metros cúbicos, disse à Lusa fonte oficial.

Algarve Reservoirs Reach 84% Capacity: A Historic Water Storage Recovery

## Lisbon Flies to Osaka: Embracing Japanese Culture

The City Council has invested **€250,000** to bring **Lisbon** closer to **Osaka** and celebrate **Japanese culture** from May to June.

![Mude, reabertura](https://media.timeout.com/images/106161211/750/422/image.jpg)
*© Francisco Romão Pereira | Main entrance of Mude, Rua Augusta*

### Exciting Events in Lisbon
For six months, the world will be focused on **Osaka**, Japan, which will host the **2025 World Expo**. Lisbon is making its mark with a mirror programming to celebrate Japanese culture, kicking off on **May 15** with the opening of the exhibition "**Osaka Exhibition - 55 Years Later, Designing the Future**" at **MUDE**.

"We made a significant investment – **€250,000** to showcase the city and bring **Japanese talent** to Lisbon," stated **Carlos Moedas** at a press conference at MUDE. The event was attended by **Pedro Reis**, the Minister of Economy, the Japanese Ambassador to Portugal, **Ota Makoto**, and **Joana Gomes Cardoso**, the General Commissioner of Portugal at Expo Osaka 2025.

The **"largest design museum in Europe"** will host the first initiative of the program, an exhibition commemorating the **1970 Osaka World Expo**, with a focus on Portuguese participation. Visitors can explore contributions from designers reflecting on heritage and presenting future ideas until **June 15**. Additionally, the **Bordalo Pinheiro Museum** and **Casa Ásia** will collaborate on the installation "**Bordalo à Moda do Japão**" from **May 28 to August 31**, highlighting Japanese influence on the art of **Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro**.

### Cultural Workshops and Poetry
**Casa Fernando Pessoa** will also host events connecting Lisbon and Japanese culture. On **May 31**, the duo **Nic and Inês** will lead a workshop titled "**My Pessoa Book**," allowing participants to create their own anthology from selected poems by **Fernando Pessoa** in Portuguese, English, and Japanese, featuring illustrations by various artists.

On **June 4**, the event **"Japanese Poetry in Translation"** will focus on contemporary Japanese poets, including readings and discussions.

### Japanese Film Festival
From **June 5 to 7**, **Cinema São Jorge** will feature a cycle of **Japanese cinema**, showcasing masterpieces from various decades, including **"Tokyo Story"** by **Yasujiro Ozu**, **"Seven Samurai"** by **Akira Kurosawa**, and films by renowned director **Hayao Miyazaki**.

In Osaka, the Lisbon City Council's programming, in partnership with **Lisboa Cultura** and supported by the **Lisbon Tourism Association**, will feature a concert on **May 5** with **Ana Moura**, **Camané**, and **Ricardo Ribeiro**, along with workshops that introduce cultural elements like tile painting and poetry.

*Various locations. From May 15 to August 31.*

A Câmara gastou 250 mil euros para levar Lisboa até Osaka, mas também para celebrar a cultura japonesa na cidade.

Lisbon Takes Flight to Osaka: A Cultural Celebration Awaits!

## Welcome to the Museum of Illusions in Lisbon

Lisbon has opened its doors to an exciting new **interactive attraction**, the **Museum of Illusions**, located at Rua Ivens, n.º 62. Spanning **600m²** with over **20 interactive installations**, this museum invites visitors into a world where **nothing is as it seems**.

### Experience the Wonders of Optical Illusions

The Museum of Illusions features a variety of **optical illusions**, gravity-defying rooms, and exhibits that play with **human perception**. Each room is designed to **surprise and entertain**, while also explaining the science behind these illusions, making the experience both **educational and fun**. 

Among the highlights are:
- **Infinity Room**: Mirrors create the illusion of infinite space.
- **Ames Room**: Alters the perception of size.
- **Vortex Tunnel**: Challenges visitors' balance.

Additional attractions include the **Invert Tram**, **Cloning Table**, and **Head on a Tray**. According to Mary Anne Silveira Machado, the General Manager, "We are a unique ‘eduvertido’ destination where people can dive into the wonderful world of illusions. This museum offers a collection of exhibits that trick the mind, art pieces, and interactive experiences that challenge reality. You won’t believe your eyes!"

### Group Activities and Events

The Museum also caters to groups, schools, and businesses, offering spaces for private events, including birthday parties and corporate team-building activities.

### Visitor Information

Open daily from **10 AM to 8 PM**, tickets can be purchased on the official [museum website](https://www.museumofillusions.com) and via [online ticketing](https://www.bol.pt/). Come and experience the magic today!

Combina entretenimento e educação e transporta os visitantes para um universo onde nada é exatamente o que parece. Lisboa recebeu uma nova atração interativa, o Museu das Ilusões, localizado ...

Discover Lisbon's Newest Attraction: The Museum of Illusions Awaits!

### A Transformative Rainfall in Algarve
The once arid landscape of **Algarve** has become a vivid reminder of water scarcity in **Portugal**. With dried rivers and parched fields, the region faced historical lows in water capacity. However, the recent intense rains have significantly replenished these resources.

In March, rainfall levels in **Algarve** were more than **double** the 30-year average, while **Alentejo** saw **three times** the usual amount, largely due to storm **Jana**. Within a month, water reserves reached maximum levels, necessitating **preventive discharges** to avert structural risks. Now, Algarve has enough water storage for the next **two years**.

### A Sigh of Relief for Algarve
The reservoirs in Algarve, which were at record lows, filled up remarkably fast. The **Odeleite** reservoir reached **94%** capacity, and **Beliche** followed closely at **89%**. Such levels haven’t been seen since **2018**. All reservoirs across the country are now above **20%** capacity. The focus has shifted from water scarcity to its management.

Teresa Fernandes, spokesperson for **Águas do Algarve**, stated, "This is a happy moment because Algarve's reservoirs are filling up, but we must remain vigilant as we don’t know when the next drought will hit."

### Alqueva Reservoir's Abundant Supply
The **Alqueva** reservoir in Alentejo is also nearing its maximum storage capacity, ensuring water supply for at least **three years**. José Pedro Salema, president of the Alqueva development and infrastructure company, explained that the hydropower turbines can discharge **800 cubic meters per second**, which is sufficient to maintain current levels.

### Nationwide Impact of Heavy Rains
This situation isn’t limited to Algarve. Across **Portugal**, heavy rains have filled reservoirs to levels not seen in years. Out of **80 monitored reservoirs**, **53** exceeded **80%** capacity, with **12** reaching their limits. In **Castelo de Bode**, a major reservoir, safety discharges have commenced as it approaches maximum capacity, a situation that hasn’t occurred in a long time.

These rains not only support human water supply but also benefit **agriculture** and **hydroelectric production**, sectors that have struggled due to prolonged drought.

### Challenges in Vale do Tejo
While the rains have been a boon for Algarve, they have posed challenges in the **Vale do Tejo**. Both Spanish and Portuguese reservoirs were forced to release large amounts of water, causing flooding in several areas and activating the **Special Emergency Plan for Floods**. In **Santarém**, roads and agricultural fields were submerged due to increased river flows from the rain and reservoir discharges.

As chuvas intensas de março encheram as barragens e afastaram a seca. No Algarve e Alentejo, há reservas para os próximos anos, mas a chuva também trouxe um problema inesperado: descargas de emergência

From Drought to Overflow: How Heavy Rains Transformed Portugal's Water Reservoirs

### Political Alliance in Madeira

The **Madeiran branches of the PSD (Social Democratic Party) and CDS-PP (People's Party)** have officially signed a **post-electoral agreement** to secure a **parliamentary majority** in the region. The announcement was made on Tuesday from **Funchal** by regional leaders **Miguel Albuquerque** and **José Manuel Rodrigues**.

**Miguel Albuquerque**, the regional executive president since 2015, confirmed, **"The president of the CDS will integrate the Government."** However, he refrained from disclosing the specific role that José Manuel Rodrigues will assume in the upcoming administration, noting that there are **"a set of institutional procedures to fulfill."**

The government has not yet been presented, as further institutional steps are required. Albuquerque explained, **"First, the parties will be heard this Friday by the representative of the Republic, and following this consultation, the representative will determine the formation of the government."**

The PSD Madeira emerged victorious in the **regional legislative elections** held on Sunday, although without an absolute majority. This new governmental solution will now be presented to the **representative of the Republic in Madeira**, **Ireneu Barreto**.

According to the final results, posted on Tuesday at the **Palácio de São Lourenço** in Funchal, the PSD won the elections without an absolute majority, securing **62,059 votes and electing 23 deputies**, just one short of an absolute majority. Other parties' results included **JPP** with **30,091 votes (11 seats)**, **PS** with **22,351 votes (8 seats)**, **Chega** with **7,821 votes (3 seats)**, **CDS** with **4,289 votes (1 seat)**, and **IL** with **3,097 votes (1 seat)**.

*Source: Lusa

As estruturas madeirenses do PSD e do CDS-PP assinaram esta terça-feira um acordo pós-eleitoral que assegura a maioria parlamentar na região. O líder dos democratas-cristãos do arquipélago fará parte do executivo. 


Elections in Madeira: Suspicion and Strategic Alliances Amid Political Tensions

Summary:

Comments

Join Our Community

Subscribe our newsletter to receive our daily digested news

PortugalToday.news

Other Latest News

Aircraft Crash in Vila Nova de Cerveira: Exam Turned Emergency

Transforming Portugal's Housing Crisis: PS Proposes Funding Solutions from CGD Dividends

Algarve Reservoirs Reach 84% Capacity: A Historic Water Storage Recovery

Lisbon Takes Flight to Osaka: A Cultural Celebration Awaits!

Discover Lisbon's Newest Attraction: The Museum of Illusions Awaits!

From Drought to Overflow: How Heavy Rains Transformed Portugal's Water Reservoirs

Major Political Shift in Madeira: PSD and CDS-PP Forge New Government Alliance

Other Latest News

Aircraft Crash in Vila Nova de Cerveira: Exam Turned Emergency

Transforming Portugal's Housing Crisis: PS Proposes Funding Solutions from CGD Dividends

Algarve Reservoirs Reach 84% Capacity: A Historic Water Storage Recovery

Lisbon Takes Flight to Osaka: A Cultural Celebration Awaits!

Discover Lisbon's Newest Attraction: The Museum of Illusions Awaits!

From Drought to Overflow: How Heavy Rains Transformed Portugal's Water Reservoirs

Major Political Shift in Madeira: PSD and CDS-PP Forge New Government Alliance