### Meeting Highlights

The Prime Minister of **Timor-Leste**, **Xanana Gusmão**, was warmly welcomed by the President of the **Assembly of the Republic**. Gusmão also held discussions at **São Bento Palace** with **Luís Montenegro**.

### New Strategic Cooperation Program

During the visit, a **new Strategic Cooperation Program** was signed. This initiative includes two significant agreements aimed at the **rehabilitation of heritage** and **infrastructure** in Timor-Leste.

### Financial Commitment

Timor-Leste is set to receive **€75 million** by **2028**, reinforcing the commitment between the two nations to enhance collaboration and support.

![Xanana Gusmão](https://cdn-ondemand.rtp.pt/nas2.share/informacao/2024/wOffXananaTJ_1410ww_419801.mp4)

**Photo Credit:** António Cotrim - Lusa

### Video Coverage

For more insights, watch the [video coverage](https://108.181.34.149/nas2.share/informacao/2024/wOffXananaTJ_1410ww_419801.mp4?__cpo=aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4tb25kZW1hbmQucnRwLnB0).

O primeiro ministro de Timor-Leste foi recebido pelo presidente da Assembleia da Republica. Xanana Gusmão esteve também no palácio de São Bento com Luís Montenegro. Foi assinado um novo Programa Estratégico de Cooperação e dois acordos para reabilitação de património e infraestruturas. Timor-leste vai receber de 75 milhões de euros até 2028.


Historic Meeting: Xanana Gusmão and Portugal's President Forge New Cooperation Agreements

## National Railway Workers' Union Calls for General Strike

The **National Union of Railway Drivers (Smaq)** has announced a **general strike** set for **December 6**, which is expected to affect services from **CP**, **IP**, **Fertagus**, **Metro Sul do Tejo**, **ViaPorto**, **Captrain**, and **Medway**. This strike aims to uphold **rail safety**, and the **dignity and respect** for drivers, emphasizing that strikes are not just about better working conditions and salaries but also about defending professional honor.

## Reaction to Minister's Remarks

Smaq expressed strong disapproval of the **Minister of the Presidency, Leitão Amaro**, following his announcement of new sanctions related to alcohol consumption among railway professionals. The minister stated that **Portugal has the second-worst performance** in terms of railway accidents per kilometer, proposing legislation to prohibit driving under the influence of alcohol. He noted that Portugal's lenient approach to penalties is paradoxical given its poor safety record.

## Union’s Indignation

In response, Smaq sent a letter to the minister expressing **profound indignation** over the handling of safety issues, particularly the unfounded link between Portugal's **poor safety rankings** and drivers' alcohol levels. Despite requests for clarification, the union has yet to receive a response, which they claim worsens the disrespect towards drivers, who undergo rigorous medical, psychological, and operational scrutiny.

## Striving for Better Safety Conditions

The union states that the goal of the strike is to protect railway professionals and demand **adequate safety conditions** for their work. They argue that the minister's comments suggesting a connection between allowable alcohol levels and poor safety performance are **false and disrespectful**. The current limit of **0.20g/l** is considered low and widely accepted, with no recorded railway accidents attributed to alcohol consumption.

## Key Demands from Smaq

Smaq outlined several key demands, including:
- Closing the most dangerous level crossings, which account for **38% of significant accidents**.
- Ensuring that platforms at renovated stations meet operational needs, which are often neglected by **IP**, leading to operational difficulties and passenger safety concerns.
- Addressing the **obsolete materials** used by CP and the **communication failures** between trains and control centers.
- Tackling the **deplorable state** of Metro Sul do Tejo's rolling stock and the **shortage of spare parts**.
- Resolving frequent signaling issues and chronic overcrowding on **Fertagus** trains during peak hours.

A report from **IMT** indicates that Portugal recorded **29 significant accidents** last year, primarily due to factors unrelated to driving.

Sindicato dos maquinistas diz que greves “servem também para defender a honra e o respeito profissional” e critica falta de esclarecimento do ministro após declaração sobre segurança e álcool.

Railway Workers to Strike on December 6: A Battle for Dignity and Safety

## Proposed Changes to Public Sector Holiday Regulations

The **Portuguese Government** aims to reform public sector holiday regulations by adopting a provision from the **Labour Code** that mandates the **allocation of peak holiday periods**. This adjustment will extend the consideration period from the last two years to **four years**.

According to the proposal submitted to unions such as **FESAP**, **Frente Comum**, and **STE**, "In scheduling holidays, the most sought-after periods must be allocated whenever possible, benefiting workers alternately based on the periods taken in the past four years."

This initiative follows earlier discussions in an amendment to the **State Budget**, where the **PSD** and **CDS** parties suggested aligning public sector holiday rules with those in the Labour Code, which currently considers only the previous two years.

### Union Reactions

The **Fesap** union acknowledges that the proposed changes make some sense but warns that regulating the allocation of holidays might lead to increased conflict. The secretary-general of Fesap stated that if the government had been more transparent from the start, it could have avoided speculation around the legislative requests.

He emphasized that more regulation in this area could lead to greater tension, noting that there has been no disruption in services due to workers taking holidays.

### Health Justification

Regarding health justification, the proposal allows for sick leave to be validated not just by the **National Health Service (SNS)** but also by private entities. This change is seen as beneficial, particularly for those under the **convergent social protection regime**, as it extends deadlines, alleviating the pressure on public employees to constantly seek medical board approvals.

### Minor Adjustments Acknowledged

Both **STE** and **Frente Comum** view the government's proposed changes as minor but plan to analyze them to understand their implications better. They pointed out that while the adjustments concerning holiday justification and strike notice are not significant, the proposed changes regarding employee mobility have raised more questions.

Maria Helena Rodrigues, president of STE, noted that the mobility adjustments could involve a three-year commitment period, which needs closer examination.

### Transparency Issues

Criticism has been directed at the government for its lack of initial transparency in introducing legislative requests within the **2025 State Budget** proposal without clearly outlining its intentions. The unions stress that clearer communication from the outset could have prevented misunderstandings regarding these crucial issues.

In terms of strike rights, the proposal aims to make it mandatory for strike notices to be sent electronically to the **DGAEP** (Directorate-General for Public Administration and Employment).

The next negotiation meeting on these matters is scheduled for **November 26**.

Governo esclareceu aos sindicatos que a ideia é transcrever para a lei da função pública o que prevê o Código do Trabalho, mas com um período mais longo, contando os últimos quatro anos.

Portugal's New Holiday Policy: What You Need to Know About the Proposed Changes

**Severe Weather Warning**: The **Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA)** has issued a yellow alert for the possibility of **heavy showers** and **thunderstorms** in the district of **Faro** until **6 PM** today. This warning, effective from **2 PM**, highlights the risk of intense rainfall, especially near the mountains. The yellow alert is the least severe on a three-tier scale, indicating potential risks to weather-dependent activities. Last week, Faro experienced an **orange alert** due to heavy rainfall, resulting in **flooding** in the **sotavento** region, road closures, and disrupted train services along the Algarve Line. The adverse weather conditions also led to **two displaced individuals** in **Castro Marim** and the rescue of three people, including one who fell into a stream in **Tavira** and **Olhão**.

Chvuas recentes causaram várias inundações em Tavira e OLhão

Severe Weather Alert in Algarve: Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Expected

### **Clóvis Abreu Sentenced for the Murder of Officer Fábio Guerra**  
Clóvis Abreu, the last defendant tried for the **murder of police officer Fábio Guerra** outside the Mome nightclub in Lisbon, has been sentenced to **14 years in prison**. He is also required to pay over **€180,000** in damages to the officer's family following the brutal attack that led to Guerra's death in 2022, as reported by SIC Notícias.  
  
On March 19, 2022, after a violent altercation with a nightclub patron, Abreu and his accomplices assaulted several police officers who were off-duty and present at the scene. Despite the officers' efforts to intervene, four were incapacitated in a matter of minutes. Fábio Guerra, aged 26, was severely beaten and succumbed to his injuries two days later due to a **severe intracranial hemorrhage**.  
  
Authorities revealed that the trio had a specific method of attack: one would knock the victim down, and the others would then kick them in vital areas, demonstrating their **military and athletic training** that allowed them to deliver devastating blows.  
  
**Security footage** from the nightclub was crucial in establishing the events of that night. Following the footage's presentation in court, co-defendants Vadym Hrynko and Cláudio Coimbra admitted to some of their assaults and were previously sentenced to **17 and 20 years** in prison, respectively.  
  
After evading capture for about a year and a half, Clóvis Abreu surrendered to authorities in **September 2023**. In addition to compensating Guerra's family, he was ordered to pay **€24,000** to the Hospital de São José, where Guerra was treated. Abreu's lawyer, Aníbal Pinto, announced intentions to appeal the ruling.  
  
Ricardo Serrano Vieira, representing Guerra's family, expressed satisfaction with the murder conviction but noted they would review the **14-year sentence**, which also accounts for other victims of the assaults that night, classified as attempted murder by the court.

Clóvis Abreu terá ainda de pagar uma indemnização de 184 mil euros à família do agente.

Justice Served: Last Suspect in Police Officer Fábio Guerra's Murder Sentenced to 14 Years

## Disturbing Incident Leads to Arrest

On Tuesday, the **PSP (Portuguese Public Security Police)** arrested a woman suspected of **physically abusing a child** during bath time in **Marinha Grande**. The incident, which took place around **1:30 PM**, involved the woman allegedly striking the child for soiling their clothes with feces. 

The arrest was made outside of **flagrante delicto** (in the act), highlighting the seriousness of the situation. According to **Commissioner Fábio Camelo**, the details of the incident have raised significant concern among local authorities and the community. 

![Woman filmed abusing child](https://asset.skoiy.com/jnrcnjwljorqgsbu/mdsgpzzicked.jpg?w=1852&q=80&crop=1620,1080,150,0)
*Photo: Rights Reserved* 

This shocking event underscores the need for vigilance and action against child abuse, as such behavior can have long-lasting effects on the victims involved.

A PSP deteve, esta terça-feira, fora de flagrante delito, a mulher que é suspeita de ter agredido uma criança à palmada, enquanto lhe dava banho de água fria, por ter sujado a roupa com fezes, na Marinha Grande. A informação da detenção, que ocorreu pelas 13.30 horas, foi confirmada ao JN pelo comissário Fábio Camelo.

Shocking Child Abuse Arrest in Marinha Grande: Woman Caught on Camera

### Fundão's Cheese Triumph

The **Queijaria Quinta do Pomar**, located in **Soalheira, Fundão**, has achieved a remarkable feat by winning the title of the **best cheese in the world** for its **buttery sheep cheese**. This prestigious award was announced on **Saturday**, and the overwhelming demand led to the cheese selling out **immediately**.

![World's Best Cheese](https://asset.skoiy.com/jnrcnjwljorqgsbu/uxeqjtuazo1c.jpg?w=1852&q=80)

**Joaquim Alves**, the producer, emphasizes that the **key to making great cheese lies in the quality of the raw materials**, particularly the milk used in production. This recognition not only highlights the exceptional quality of local products but also puts Fundão on the map as a significant player in the cheese-making industry.

A Queijaria Quinta do Pomar, na Soalheira, Fundão, viu no sábado o seu queijo de ovelha amanteigado ser galardoado como o melhor do mundo e o produto esgotou de imediato.

World's Best Cheese: Fundão's Creamy Delight Sells Out Instantly!

### Portugal's Cheese Triumph

The **buttery sheep cheese** from **Queijaria Quinta do Pomar** in Soalheira, Fundão, has been crowned the **best cheese in the world** at the **World Cheese Awards 2024**, competing against **4,786 cheeses** from **47 countries**. This incredible recognition has led to an immediate **sell-out** of the award-winning product.

> "**The phone calls haven't stopped. It's been pandemonium, in a good way,**" shared **Joaquim Duarte Alves**, the founder of Quinta do Pomar, who has recently stepped back and passed the reins to his son, **Nuno**, and daughter-in-law, **Sonia**.

Joaquim, 73, noted that the award is already impacting demand. The **award-winning batch sold out immediately**, and with so many orders pouring in, he fears there won't be enough milk to meet the demand until Christmas.

> "We are receiving orders from people wanting to export to the **United States**, **France**, and various countries. **Cheese doesn't make itself overnight; it takes 45 days to cure**," he emphasized.

### About the Award-Winning Cheese

The celebrated cheese is a **buttery Serra-type cheese** made from **raw sheep's milk**, curdled with **thistle flower**, and is sold for approximately **€13**. 

Joaquim stressed that the **key to great cheese production** is high-quality raw materials, sourcing milk from local producers within a **10 to 15-kilometer radius** of the **Gardunha mountains**. He also highlighted the importance of proper card cleaning and seasoning, ensuring the right balance of ingredients.

After **40 to 45 days of curing** in a dark chamber, with careful temperature management, the cheese emerges ready for sale. Joaquim, son of a cheesemaker from Soalheira, has deep roots in the cheese-making tradition, which includes the annual **Cheese Fair** organized by the **Fundão Municipality**.

Founded in **1983** with his wife, **Maria José**, the business has grown significantly, moving to a new facility in the **Soalheira Industrial Park** in **2015**, where production capacity has doubled. With an annual turnover of **€1 million**, the cheesery employs **12 workers**, producing between **400 to 500 cheeses daily**, with **150 to 200** being the buttery sheep variety.

Joaquim remarked that while the award-winning cheese, which has previously won three medals in international competitions, is not their best-seller, the traditional sheep and goat mix is.

> "**This award is not just ours; it belongs to Soalheira, Fundão, the local milk producers, and Portugal**," he stated, acknowledging the widespread recognition following the award announcement.

Surprised by their success, Joaquim expressed pride in receiving the highest honor in the cheese industry, likening it to the **Oscars** of the sector.  

![World's Best Cheese](https://images.impresa.pt/sicnot/2024-11-19-melhor_queijo_do_mundo.jpeg-17d98936/original)
*Image Credit: Facebook / Queijo Tradicional Quinta do Pomar*

O queijo de ovelha amanteigado da Queijaria Quinta do Pomar foi considerado o melhor do mundo no 'World Cheese Awards 2024', entre 4.786 queijos avaliados de 47 países.

Historic Meeting: Xanana Gusmão and Portugal's President Forge New Cooperation Agreements

Summary:

Meeting Highlights

New Strategic Cooperation Program

Financial Commitment

Video Coverage

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Other Latest News

Railway Workers to Strike on December 6: A Battle for Dignity and Safety

Portugal's New Holiday Policy: What You Need to Know About the Proposed Changes

Severe Weather Alert in Algarve: Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Expected

Justice Served: Last Suspect in Police Officer Fábio Guerra's Murder Sentenced to 14 Years

Shocking Child Abuse Arrest in Marinha Grande: Woman Caught on Camera

World's Best Cheese: Fundão's Creamy Delight Sells Out Instantly!

World's Best Cheese: Portuguese Delight Sells Out After Winning Top Honor!

Other Latest News

Railway Workers to Strike on December 6: A Battle for Dignity and Safety

Portugal's New Holiday Policy: What You Need to Know About the Proposed Changes

Severe Weather Alert in Algarve: Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Expected

Justice Served: Last Suspect in Police Officer Fábio Guerra's Murder Sentenced to 14 Years

Shocking Child Abuse Arrest in Marinha Grande: Woman Caught on Camera

World's Best Cheese: Fundão's Creamy Delight Sells Out Instantly!

World's Best Cheese: Portuguese Delight Sells Out After Winning Top Honor!