## Major Fraud Uncovered in Portugal

The **Judicial Police** of Portugal has successfully **dismantled a fraudulent scheme** involving a pellet production company located in **Guarda**. This operation managed to defraud both the **State** and the **European Union** out of a staggering **€7 million**.

### Arrests Made

As a result of the investigation, **three individuals** have been charged, with **two of them currently detained**. They face multiple charges including **corruption**, **fraud**, and **money laundering**.

![Fraudulent Pellet Company](https://asset.skoiy.com/jnrcnjwljorqgsbu/wb0gsyleshsk.jpg?w=1852&q=80)  
*Judicial Police dismantles €7 million fraud scheme involving EU funds*  
*Photo: Archive*

A Polícia Judiciária desmantelou um esquema fraudulento, assente numa empresa de produção de "pellets" na Guarda, que conseguiu burlar o Estado e a União Europeia em sete milhões de euros. Três pessoas foram constituídas arguidas, duas das quais estão detidas, por vários crimes de corrupção, fraude e branqueamento.

Fraudulent Pellet Company Scams €7 Million from EU and Portugal's State

### Tragic Incident in Belém

A **cyclist lost his life** this morning on Avenida da Índia, in **Belém, Lisbon**, after being struck by a vehicle whose driver fled the scene. According to sources from the **PSP (Public Security Police)**, the victim received assistance but was declared dead at the site of the accident.

> "Currently, efforts are being made to identify the vehicle and its driver, but so far, there has been no success," stated a PSP officer.

The accident occurred in the direction of **Alcântara-Algés**, near the **Cordoaria Nacional**. Details about the vehicle involved are scarce, but it is anticipated that it may have sustained some **front-end damage** due to the impact. Emergency services, including **PSP, INEM**, and the **Lisbon Fire Brigade**, were present at the scene.

![Ambulance at the scene](https://images.impresa.pt/sicnot/2023-11-12-ambulancia-112.jpg-98dd06eb-1/original)  
*Image Source: Canva*

O acidente ocorreu no sentido Alcântara-Algés, junto à Cordoaria Nacional e desconhece-se qualquer dado sobre a viatura.

Tragic Cycling Accident in Lisbon: Cyclist Killed After Hit-and-Run

### Political Tensions Rise in Madeira

The call for elections within the **PSD/Madeira** is currently contingent upon the party's internal bodies. Despite the refusal of **Miguel Albuquerque**, opposition parties are applying pressure for **early regional elections** to occur "as quickly as possible," which may hinder the voting process.

### Censure Motion and Calls for Internal Elections

The recent approval of a **censure motion** against the minority government of the PSD has prompted former Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources, **Manuel António Correia**, to advocate for internal elections, expressing his willingness to challenge **Miguel Albuquerque** for the leadership for the third time.

### Albuquerque's Stance

Miguel Albuquerque has repeatedly rejected the idea of an extraordinary congress or early elections, arguing that such moves would lead to a **"fratricidal war"** benefiting their opponents. He insists that the expectation of the people of Madeira is to have **political stability** through prompt elections.

### Urgency for New Elections

On Thursday, during discussions with the **Republican representative**, Albuquerque reiterated the need for early elections, emphasizing that a prolonged political hiatus is not in the public's interest. The urgency for elections, marking the **third set** within a year and a half, has been echoed by opposition parties such as **PS**, **Chega**, and **JPP**, all calling for elections to be held "as quickly as possible."

### Legislative Implications

The **CDS-PP** party has stated that elections should occur within a "reasonable timeframe" to allow parties to reassess their strategies, while **IL** has also expressed readiness for new elections. In light of the unanimous call for early elections, Ireneu Barreto, the Republican representative for Madeira, acknowledged his lack of success in finding a governmental solution and plans to meet with the President of the Republic, **Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa**, to discuss the situation, potentially proposing **March 9th** as the date for early elections.

### Legal Framework and Party Dynamics

According to Article 19 of the Electoral Law for the **Madeira Legislative Assembly**, the President must set the election date with a minimum of **55 days' notice** after dissolution. Should elections occur in mid-March, the timelines for **PSD/Madeira** internal elections would be tight. The party had recently faced elections after Miguel Albuquerque's resignation due to political instability linked to corruption investigations.

### Implications for Internal Party Elections

The PSD's internal election process allows for a congress to be called by **300 members**, though the decision rests with the **Regional Council**. The statutes require a congress to be announced **30 days in advance**, and the regional political commission is elected through a secret ballot by party members.

### Recent Congress and Leadership Challenges

In the last regional congress, held in April, Albuquerque was re-elected as leader. However, the dynamics within the party, particularly regarding the direct elections held in March, indicate ongoing tensions as Albuquerque faces competition from Correia, reminiscent of their previous contest in 2014. 

![Political Tension](https://ad.dnoticias.pt/rep/2024/FSA/mrec/03.jpg)

A convocação de eleições no PSD/Madeira está dependente dos órgãos do partido, mas além da recusa de Miguel Albuquerque, a pressão da oposição para a realização de regionais antecipadas "o mais rápido possível" poderá mesmo inviabilizar o sufrágio. É um assunto que é abordado na edição impressa do DIÁRIO deste sábado.

Intensifying Pressure for Quick Elections in Madeira: PSD's Internal Struggles Unfold

### Overview
The **ACSS** (Central Administration of the Health System) has refrained from disclosing the exact **debt amounts** owed by non-resident foreigners receiving care through the **SNS** (National Health Service). Instead, they have provided figures for certain countries with which they have agreements. 

### Financial Implications
Experts claim that these potential debts are **insignificant** compared to the annual budget of the SNS, which totals **€15.8 million**. This raises questions about the overall impact of these debts on the health system's finances.

### Key Insights
- The SNS has agreements with various countries regarding health care costs for non-residents.
- The lack of transparency in revealing total debts has sparked concerns among health administrators.
- The **debt amounts** might not significantly affect the overall budget of the SNS, according to specialists.

### Visual Insight
![Health System Budget](https://imagens.publico.pt/imagens.aspx/1965053?tp=UH&db=IMAGENS&type=JPG&w=320&act=resize)
*Image Source: Nuno Ferreira Santos* 
Administrators emphasize that the regulations for foreign access to the SNS were established before the current context, where individuals often face years of waiting for regularization. 

### Authors
This article was written by [Alexandra Campos](https://108.181.11.193/autor/alexandra-campos) and [Joana Gorjão Henriques](https://108.181.11.193/autor/joana-gorjao-henriques).

ACSS apenas adianta valores cobrados a alguns países com quem tem acordos. Potenciais dívidas são valores insignificantes num orçamento anual do SNS de 15,8 milhões de euros, dizem especialistas.

Unveiling the Secrets: How Much Do Non-Resident Foreigners Owe the SNS?

**Daily News Overview**

Stay informed with the **latest headlines** from both national and international newspapers. Our daily updates cover key events and highlight significant stories making waves in the media.

![Clear Sky in Lisbon](https://js.sapo.pt/Projects/bsuv4/assets/icons/ceulimpo_day.svg)

**Current Weather in Lisbon**: 7ºC with clear skies. 

**Stay tuned** for more updates as we bring you the freshest news from around the world every day.

Primeiras páginas de jornais e revistas, nacionais e internacionais com atualização diária

Daily News Update: First Pages of National and International Newspapers

### Political Crisis in Madeira

The ongoing **political crises** in Madeira are turning into an endless saga. With **elections on the horizon**, stability once again lies in the hands of **Chega**. 

A historical **PSD/Madeira** member proclaimed, **"We are all in Chega's hands,"** summarizing the political future of the Autonomous Region after the opposition approved a **motion of censure** against Miguel Albuquerque's government.

### Preparing for New Elections

As the new political crisis unfolds, parties are gearing up for yet another electoral campaign. Many doubt that the results will differ from those of May. Both the **PSD** and **PS** are facing internal dissent, with some members advocating for leadership changes before the elections to resolve the political deadlock. Manuel António Correia, a social democrat, publicly urged the **President of the Republic** to allow time for internal reorganization before calling for elections. While criticisms within the **PS** are less vocal, dissatisfaction with Paulo Cafofo is evident.

### Chega's Dilemma

As the **Chega** party continues to push its agenda against corruption and the **Socialist Party**, they face a crucial decision. After causing the regional government's collapse, Chega must choose whether to support a new government led by Albuquerque—who is facing allegations of corruption—or a leftist coalition government. **"Chega will have to decide whether it stands with the right or the left,"** a regional deputy remarked.

### Elections Before Carnival?

Both Miguel Albuquerque and Paulo Cafofo expressed their desire for elections to occur as soon as possible. The scheduling of discussions with **Ireneu Barreto** just two days post-censure vote has been interpreted as a sign of a swift process. Political leaders believe that Barreto's quick action aligns with **Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa**, who is now positioned to call parties without delay. They are aiming for elections before **Carnival**, on February 16 or 23, which would necessitate a decision from the President before the year's end.

### Campaign Strategies

Albuquerque plans to campaign using the **2025 Regional Budget**, which was rejected by the opposition, arguing that the lack of good news for Madeirans results from opposition actions. He also highlights recent positive economic data, including **GDP growth** and increased employment, as favorable news for the outgoing government. The campaign strategy focuses on **"talking little about the PSD and much about governance results."**

In a repeat of previous elections, **Luís Montenegro** is unlikely to join the campaign. The Prime Minister, who recently accused Chega and PS of collusion in Madeira, is expected to communicate with Albuquerque shortly.

As sucessivas crises políticas na Madeira estão a tornar-se numa novela sem fim à vista. Com uma repetição de resultados à vista, a estabilidade fica de novo nas mãos do Chega.

Political Turmoil in Madeira: Chega's Rising Influence and Upcoming Elections

The **National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC)** has recently approved a **tariff proposal** for the **Lisbon airport group**, announcing an average increase of approximately **2.97%** in regulated fees for Lisbon. This decision was disclosed in a statement on **Friday**.

### Key Exceptions
The increase does not apply to:  
- **CO2 modulation** in landing fees  
- Landing fees in **Ponta Delgada**  
- Fees for passengers with reduced mobility (**PMR**) and their respective modulation  
- **Security fees**  

Additionally, the **passenger service fees** were not provisionally approved.

### Other Airports Affected
The ANAC has also sanctioned tariff proposals for the **Porto** and **Faro** airports, with the same exceptions concerning CO2 modulation and PMR fees.  
At Lisbon Airport, the regulated fees will see an average increase of **2.97%**.  
In the **Azores** (Ponta Delgada, Santa Maria, Horta, and Flores), the regulated fees will rise by an average of **0.09%**, while in **Madeira** (Madeira and Porto Santo), the increase is set at **0.47%**.  
The **Civil Terminal of Beja** will experience an average increase of **1.13%** in regulated fees.

### Reductions at Porto and Faro
For the **Porto** and **Faro** airports, the proposal indicates an average reduction of **0.89%** and **0.37%** in their respective regulated fees.

### Ongoing Considerations
The ANAC's board decided not to provisionally approve the PMR fee modulation due to insufficient conditions for the proposed methodology and calculation of the weighted average cost of capital presented by **ANA**.  
Concerning the proposed **Security fee**, the regulator has withheld a decision as some cost increases presented by ANA require further clarification from the concessionaire.

The ANAC also rejected the proposed CO2 modulation in landing fees, citing that the information provided during the tariff consultation process did not ensure adherence to **transparency principles**.

A exceção aplica-se à modulação de CO2 nas taxas de aterragem. A ANAC deu também luz verde às propostas tarifárias para os aeroportos do Porto e de Faro.

Lisbon Airport Fees Set to Rise by 2.97%: What You Need to Know

## Court Ruling Targets Admiral Gouveia e Melo
The ruling from the Central Administrative Court of the South (TCAS) directly implicates **Admiral Gouveia e Melo**, Chief of Staff of the Navy (CEMA), in the annulment of sanctions imposed on sailors who refused to board the NRP Mondego. The Navy attempted to distance Gouveia e Melo from the incident, but judges determined that he validated **"illegal acts"** in applying the now-overturned punishments.

The court's analysis centers on the fact that Gouveia e Melo, as CEMA, rejected hierarchical appeals from **13 sailors** regarding sanctions ranging from **10 to 90 days suspension** for insubordination. By denying these appeals in July of this year, the admiral confirmed the disciplinary actions against the sailors.

The court identified two main nullities in these sanctions: 
- Sailors were questioned without being informed of their rights.
- The commander of the Navy and War, **Rodrigues Teixeira**, participated as an instructor in the disciplinary process despite being part of the command chain involved in the events of **March 11, 2023**.

According to the ruling, Rodrigues Teixeira should have either declared himself unable to intervene or stated that he lacked knowledge of facts that could influence the disciplinary process. Failing to do so rendered all subsequent actions—including accusations and final reports—invalid under military discipline regulations.

## Navy's Response to the Ruling
Approximately two hours after the ruling was announced, the Navy issued a statement emphasizing that the punishments were not applied by Gouveia e Melo but by **Commander Chaves Ferreira**. However, the statement did not clarify that the sanctions were confirmed by the Chief of Staff through the rejection of the hierarchical appeals.

The Navy also stated that they plan to appeal the ruling, noting that the TCAS decision has not yet become final. They highlighted a history of favorable outcomes in cases against sailors who refused to board the NRP Mondego due to alleged lack of conditions.

## Defense of the Sailors
In statements to Observador, lawyer **Paulo Graça**, representing the sailors, argued that the responsibility for the sanctions lies with Gouveia e Melo, criticizing the Navy for what he termed a **“falsehood”** in their public response. He emphasized that the admiral confirmed the sanctions, thus assuming legal responsibility for them.

## The Incident That Shook the Portuguese Navy
In March 2023, the NRP Mondego did not carry out a mission to monitor a Russian ship near **Porto Santo Island** after several military personnel refused to board. The Navy reported the incident to the Military Judicial Police. Following the incident, Gouveia e Melo insisted on addressing the sailors directly, stating that the Navy **"cannot forget, ignore, or forgive acts of indiscipline"**.

He criticized the sailors for reporting issues with the ship to external entities, arguing that it compromised military confidentiality. In his rejection of the appeals, Gouveia e Melo reiterated the seriousness of the sailors' actions, claiming that such conduct negatively impacts the Navy's integrity and cohesion. 

*(Article updated at 22:40)*

Acórdão visa almirante em "atos ilegais" na aplicação dos castigos, numa altura em que Gouveia e Melo está de saída da Marinha para ficar livre para uma possível candidatura à Presidência da República

Fraudulent Pellet Company Scams €7 Million from EU and Portugal's State

Summary:

Major Fraud Uncovered in Portugal

Arrests Made

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