### Increased Pressure on Emergency Services

The surge in **respiratory infections** and patients with **complex clinical conditions** is straining emergency services across Portugal. Many hospitals are experiencing **longer waiting times** as they adapt to the growing demand.

### Response to Rising Needs

In light of this situation, several healthcare units are **increasing their inpatient bed capacity** to accommodate the influx of patients. This proactive measure aims to ensure that those requiring urgent medical attention receive timely care.

By enhancing their resources, hospitals hope to alleviate the pressure on emergency departments and improve patient outcomes during this challenging period.

Planos de contingência estão a ser activados para responder ao aumento das necessidades. Unidades referem maior número de doentes complexos que precisam de internamento.

Hospitals in Portugal Expand Bed Capacity Amid Rising Emergency Pressures

### Montenegro Responds to Allegations

On April 1st, Luís Montenegro addressed reports suggesting that while serving as a lawyer for **SP&M**, he had benefited a company involved in the construction of his house in Espinho. He characterized these claims as a **"flagrant and inconceivable campaign of misinformation and manipulation of facts"**.

### The Legal Opinion in Question

The controversy revolves around a **legal opinion** requested by the **Espinho City Council** from SP&M in 2020, which reportedly favored the construction company **Alexandre Barbosa Borges (ABB)**. According to **Expresso** on March 28, it emerged that ABB might have supplied concrete for the Prime Minister's residence. The following day, **Correio da Manhã** reported on the matter, further fueling the allegations.

### Clarification from Montenegro's Office

In a statement released by his office, Montenegro clarified that the legal information produced by SP&M was simply a **"simple legal question between two companies providing services to the City Council"**, specifically between a public works contractor and a works supervision company. 

He emphasized that any attempt to link this legal act with a concrete supply ordered and paid for three years earlier by a different contractor was **"more than abusive"**. 

### Audit by the Court of Auditors

Montenegro also highlighted that the situation regarding additional works and the decisions made by the City Council were subject to an audit by the **Court of Auditors**, which found **no evidence of any infractions**. The Court audited the procedures and subsequently archived the case.

### Ongoing Criminal Investigation

According to **Expresso**, there is an ongoing criminal investigation by the **Department of Investigation and Criminal Action** in Porto, targeting ABB and the renovation of the railway channel in Espinho — the largest public work contracted by the municipality. SP&M is involved in the case due to its legal services to the **Espinho City Council**, which includes opinions on disputes between ABB and the works supervision company.

Em causa está um parecer solicitado pela Câmara de Espinho à SP&M em 2020, que terá sido favorável à Alexandre Barbosa Borges, empresa envolvida na construção da casa de Montenegro em Espinho.

Montenegro Denies Favoring Company While at SP&M Amidst Claims of Misinformation

### Ongoing Search for Missing Paraglider

The **search operations** for the paraglider who allegedly went missing since Sunday afternoon in **Sagres**, within the municipality of **Vila do Bispo**, have entered their second day without success. The **Maritime Police**, local firefighters, and the **Civil Protection** of Lagos have conducted extensive searches by sea, land, and air, utilizing a drone as part of their efforts. The operations were concluded around **8 PM** without locating the individual, as confirmed by the captain of the Lagos port.

The search resumed early Tuesday at **7:30 AM**, involving a team from the **Sagres Lifeguard Station**, members of the Maritime Police, Vila do Bispo firefighters, and support from the Lagos Municipal Civil Protection with a drone, as stated by **Hugo da Guia**, captain of the Lagos port and local Maritime Police commander.

"We suspended the search shortly after **8 PM** and will resume on Wednesday at **7:30 AM**," announced the port captain. The search team covered the entire coastline between **Boca do Rio beach** and **Martinhal beach**, both located in Vila do Bispo, district of Faro, but unfortunately, the missing man was not found.

If conditions allow, **dive teams** from the Maritime Police are expected to join the search efforts on Wednesday, as indicated by the Lagos port captain. 

The missing individual has been identified through the **registration number** of the paraglider found in the water and a vehicle parked nearby. Both belong to a **29-year-old French man**. The Maritime Police have also activated their **Psychology Office**, which is in contact with the family of the missing person.

The search operations began late Sunday afternoon after a local resident alerted authorities about seeing a **paraglider equipment** in the water.

O segundo dia de buscas pelo praticante de parapente que alegadamente está desaparecido desde a tarde de domingo, em Sagres, no concelho de Vila do Bispo, chegou ao fim ...

Search Efforts Continue for Missing Paraglider in Algarve: Latest Updates

### Atmospheric Instability Set to Last Until Saturday

After a few days of warmth, **Portugal** is now bracing for a period of atmospheric instability. **Nuria**, the first storm of April, is expected to return **heavy rain and strong winds**, with effects anticipated until Saturday, April 5.

This marks the **14th storm** of the year, named Nuria by the Spanish Meteorological Institute, **AEMET**. The storm is expected to position itself west of the Iberian Peninsula by the end of Thursday, moving slowly northward, with impacts already felt in Portugal.

The first front arrived on Tuesday afternoon, bringing light rain and cloud cover across the country, particularly in the south. However, the true impact of the storm will be felt starting Wednesday.

> 🌀 AEMET names the storm Nuria.  
> 🌬️ On Thursday, it will cause strong gusts of wind and intense rainfall in the Canary Islands.  
> 👉 It will affect the Peninsula starting Thursday night, especially the western region, with extremely strong winds and heavy rainfall. [pic.twitter.com/I5ifqhy1i1](https://208.87.240.251/I5ifqhy1i1?__cpo=aHR0cHM6Ly90LmNv)

According to climatologist **Mário Marques**, the storm will cause instability in the country for about three to four days. While not overly significant, there may be **strong showers and thunderstorms**, particularly on the 2nd and 3rd in the south, and on the 4th and 5th in the north. 

Thursday is expected to be the peak day of the storm, with heavy rain and wind sweeping from south to north. Thunderstorms are likely, especially in the afternoon, along with snowfall in the higher elevations of the **Serra da Estrela** and potential flooding.

Additionally, Nuria is associated with a **cold front**, meaning temperatures will drop to "normal values," as last week saw unusually high temperatures for April.

Currently, **yellow warnings** have been issued for the **Azores** and **Madeira**, with further alerts expected from the **IPMA** for the mainland.

The storm is anticipated to calm down by Saturday afternoon, still under cloudy skies with some drizzle, although temperatures are expected to rise.

The storm will extend across the **Iberian Peninsula**, impacting Spain starting Wednesday, with forecasts of strong winds and heavy rainfall.

> Change in weather starting tomorrow‼️  
> A new **#borrasca** will bring widespread and intense **#rain** on Wednesday (especially in the afternoon), Thursday (mainly in the southwest), and Friday.  
> As the storm passes, temperatures will drop. [pic.twitter.com/SFdHohMutP](https://208.87.240.251/SFdHohMutP?__cpo=aHR0cHM6Ly90LmNv)

For the rest of the month, a "**great atmospheric variability**" is expected: after Nuria passes, a week of calm with "spring openings" will follow, but wet weather is set to return for Easter, living up to the saying "April showers bring May flowers."

> "Nuria will be the start of a train of storms with associated fronts," concludes the climatologist.

Instabilidade atmosférica mantém-se até sábado por todo o país. Climatologistas antecipam a ocorrência de trovoadas, queda de neve e algumas cheias

Brace Yourself: Storm Nuria Brings Heavy Rain and Snow to Portugal

## What Drives a Young Person to Confess a Crime on Social Media?

In a disturbing incident in Loures, a **rape suspect** has claimed that there were **more individuals** involved in the crime, in addition to the three detained suspects. **Clinical psychologist** João Faria offers insights into the psychology behind such confessions, drawing parallels with similar cases, like that of Tiago Grila, who initially confessed to hitting someone with his car but later retracted his statement.

### The Role of Social Media in Confessions

Faria explains that the **“online disinhibition effect”** can play a significant role in why individuals share details of their crimes online. The **seemingly harmless questions** from friends can prompt shocking admissions, as seen in the Loures case. This phenomenon can lead to a **distortion in perception** of right and wrong, especially as social media can amplify certain behaviors without backlash.

### The Psychological Impact

The psychologist notes that there is a **complicity with the behavior** exhibited in these confessions. Those who witness such admissions may also contribute to a culture that normalizes violence and aggression, further reinforcing these harmful actions through **positive feedback** from peers. Faria asserts that this **normalization** is alarming and suggests a collective **sense of impunity** regarding what is shared online.

### Combating Normalization of Violence

To address the troubling trend of **aggressive behavior** being trivialized, Faria emphasizes the need for the involvement of **educators, families, and schools**. They play a crucial role in countering the normalization of such conduct and fostering a more appropriate social adjustment among youth. 

This alarming trend calls for a critical examination of how young people engage with social media and the consequences of their online actions.

Suspeito de crime de violação diz que houve mais pessoas envolvidas, além dos três suspeitos detidos. Psicólogo explica o que leva alguém a confessar/partilhar um crime nas redes sociais.

Shocking Confession: Young Suspect in Loures Rape Case Admits to Involvement of Others

### Storm Nuria Arrives

The first storm of April is here, named **Nuria**, bringing **heavy rain and strong winds** to mainland Portugal and the islands. In **Madeira**, winds are expected to reach **100 km/h**, accompanied by heavy rainfall and rough seas, prompting the issuance of **weather warnings**.

### Weather Forecast

**Expect strong rain and winds** in the coming days, especially on **Friday** for mainland Portugal and **Thursday** in Madeira. In the **Serra da Estrela**, precipitation may fall as **snow**, although without significant accumulation.

The winds will be particularly intense along the coast and in highland areas, with **gusts potentially reaching 70 km/h** starting Thursday night.

> "This depression is associated with a **cold front** and various instability lines that will impact the weather in mainland Portugal," specifies the IPMA.

### Alerts for Madeira and Azores

The **Madeira archipelago** will be affected by the storm on Thursday, with winds possibly hitting **100 km/h** and snowfall expected at higher elevations. There is also a forecast for increased maritime agitation, with waves reaching **4.5 meters**.

In light of this, **yellow alerts** have been issued for wind, rainfall, and maritime agitation on Thursday. The captaincy of the **Port of Funchal** has made several recommendations to the maritime community and the general public, including:
- Strengthening mooring and closely monitoring docked and anchored vessels.
- Avoiding walks near the sea or in areas exposed to maritime agitation.
- Refraining from recreational fishing, especially near cliffs and zones frequently hit by wave break.

The **Azores archipelago**, excluding the **Western group**, will also be under **yellow warning** from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday morning due to wind and maritime agitation.

A primeira tempestade de abril está a chegar e chama-se Nuria. Os próximos dias serão de chuva e vento fortes em Portugal Continental e nas ilhas. Na Madeira, são esperados ventos de 100 km/h, chuva forte e agitação marítima, por isso, foram já emitidos avisos meteorológicos.

Storm Nuria: Heavy Rain and Winds Set to Hit Portugal Again!

### Court's Clarification on Detention Measures

The **Comarca of Loures** issued a statement clarifying the detention measures applied to three young men suspected of **raping a girl** in Loures in February and subsequently sharing a video of the incident on social media. According to the court, these measures were "**proportional and appropriate**" to the precautionary purposes intended to ensure safety.

The measures include periodic court appearances, and a prohibition on contacting the victim or approaching her within **500 meters** of her home or school.

### Public Outcry

This clarification comes after an **open letter** circulated on March 31, titled "**Sexual Violence and Impunity: The Loures Crime**," demanding that the suspects be suspended from social media and criticizing the judicial decision to release them. Over **70 organizations** and nearly **3,000 individuals** have signed this letter, expressing **indignation and alarm** over the perceived message of impunity.

### Legal Context

The court emphasized that the initial judicial interrogation of a detained suspect is not a trial but merely a procedure to apply precautionary measures to mitigate risks such as flight or interference with the investigation. It noted that the case is under **judicial secrecy**, and judges operate independently and impartially.

### Systemic Issues Highlighted

The open letter highlights a systemic issue regarding inadequate precautionary measures for preventing crimes against women and girls. Maria João Faustino, a representative of the **Portuguese Platform for Women's Rights**, stated that this case will be a focal point in the upcoming electoral campaign, advocating for legal reforms to ensure justice and prevention of such crimes.

The suspects, described as **YouTubers**, allegedly assaulted the victim after she arranged to meet one of them. A video of the assault was shared online, viewed by thousands without any reports being made. The letter has garnered support from various feminist groups and organizations advocating against violence.

Comarca de Lisboa Norte diz que as medidas de coacção aplicadas pelo juiz aos suspeitos de violação em Loures foram “proporcionais” e as que foram pedidas pelo Ministério Público.

Court Justifies Detention Measures for Young Rape Suspects in Loures: A Controversial Decision

## New Labor Migration Protocol in Portugal  
A new **labor migration protocol** has been established to streamline the hiring of foreign workers in Portugal. This agreement, signed after four months of negotiations, involves the government, employer confederations, and various stakeholders.  
  
### Quick Visa Processing  
The protocol mandates that **visas must be granted within 20 days** from the date of the applicant's visit to the consulate, provided that all **legal requirements** are met, including the existence of a **work contract**, health insurance, and travel insurance.  
  
### Economic Development  
Luís Montenegro emphasized that the goal is to create **investment conditions** and make Portugal more attractive for companies, both existing and new. The document highlights that **labor immigration is crucial for Portugal's economic growth**, noting that immigrants represent a significant part of the workforce in key sectors such as **agriculture, fishing, construction, tourism, services, and industry**.  
  
### Addressing Labor Market Gaps  
Immigrants help to fill **gaps in the labor market**, ensuring the continuation of various economic activities. The protocol outlines that **companies involved** must ensure valid employment contracts, provide adequate housing, and facilitate professional training and Portuguese language learning.  
  
### Implementation Timeline  
This protocol will come into effect on the date of its signing, and applications may start from **April 15, 2025**. It has been signed by employer confederations, business associations, and various governmental bodies, including the **Directorate General for Consular Affairs and Portuguese Communities** (DGACCP) and the **Institute for Employment and Professional Training** (IEFP).

Está assinado o protocolo de cooperação para a migração laboral regulada. Após quatro meses de negociações, o acordo foi assinado ao início da tarde desta terça-feira entre o Governo confederações patronais e representantes de várias entidades. 


Hospitals in Portugal Expand Bed Capacity Amid Rising Emergency Pressures

Summary:

Increased Pressure on Emergency Services

Response to Rising Needs

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Shocking Confession: Young Suspect in Loures Rape Case Admits to Involvement of Others

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