### Government's Controversial Changes to Local Accommodation Law

Ana Gago, a prominent member of the **Housing Referendum Movement**, has expressed serious concerns regarding the government's recent amendments to the **local accommodation law**. She stated that this alteration is **"very serious from a housing perspective** because it almost equates spending holidays in a house to actually living in it."

![Housing Referendum Movement](https://asset.skoiy.com/tsfiqogiwkcugyug/zdg0w2hrnabe.jpg?w=1852&q=80)
*Image Source: Igor Martins/Global Imagens*

These changes have sparked a significant debate about the implications for housing availability and affordability in Lisbon, as many fear it may exacerbate the ongoing housing crisis. Gago's remarks highlight the tension between government policies and the needs of local residents, prompting calls for greater accountability and transparency in legislative processes.

Ana Gago diz que alteração à lei do alojamento local pelo Governo "é muito grave do ponto de vista da habitação, porque vem quase dizer que passar férias numa casa é a mesma coisa que morar nela"

Housing Referendum Movement Accuses Government of Dodging Popular Initiative in Lisbon

### Portugal Joins U.S. National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program

**LISBON** - Portugal has officially joined the **United States’ State Partnership Program (SPP)**, a move aimed at enhancing military cooperation and addressing mutual security challenges. This partnership, established on **January 14** at the Ministry of National Defense in Lisbon, marks a significant milestone in U.S.-Portugal relations.

**Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Melo** emphasized that this collaboration is set to **strengthen bilateral relations** and improve military cooperation between the two nations. He stated, “I have no doubt this partnership will strengthen military cooperation between our two countries, intensify what are already excellent bilateral relations and the strong diplomatic, commercial and cultural ties that unite Portugal and the United States.”

![Portugal joins U.S. National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program](https://www.heraldnews.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/01/14/NHER/77702257007-portugal-joing-state-partnership-program.jpg?width=660&height=441&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)

The SPP, created in **1993**, has successfully built relations for over **30 years**, now encompassing **105 partnerships with 115 nations** worldwide. The program enables military-to-military engagements and broader cooperation across various sectors including government, economic, and social spheres.

During the ceremony, **US Ambassador to Portugal Randi Charno Levine** highlighted the **historic alliance** between the two countries and emphasized the importance of their cooperation in safeguarding peace in the Euro-Atlantic area. She noted that the selection of Portugal into the SPP demonstrates the **U.S. Government’s regard** for the Portuguese Armed Forces.

Ambassador Levine also pointed out that Portugal’s strategic location and contributions to **NATO missions** underscore its vital role in the transatlantic alliance. The **Lajes Air Base** in the Azores was described as a significant symbol of this military cooperation, showcasing the U.S. government's ongoing investment in the region.


As part of the ongoing cooperation between the United States and Portugal, the two countries have formally established a State Partnership Program.

Portugal Strengthens Ties with U.S. Through New Defense Partnership Program

**Actor Ângelo Rodrigues** is currently hospitalized at **São José Hospital** in Lisbon due to **aspiration pneumonia**, a serious respiratory infection. According to **SIC Notícias**, which cited a close source, the **37-year-old actor** is in a coma but remains stable and is not in life-threatening condition.  
  
In **2019**, Rodrigues faced a severe health crisis, spending **two months in the hospital** and undergoing **three surgeries** after a serious infection allegedly linked to testosterone injections. He was placed in an **induced coma** and underwent **hemodialysis** due to kidney failure, suffering at least one cardiac arrest, which was reversed by medical staff.  
  
Following his recovery in **September 2019**, he continued with **psychological support**, underwent a fourth surgery, and received treatment in a **hyperbaric chamber**. After being discharged, he embarked on a gradual recovery journey to regain normalcy in his life.  
  
Rodrigues has expressed, “I almost lost my life to live it a second time, now with a different perspective,” reflecting on his past struggles. In recent years, he has traveled extensively and participated in various national television productions, including being part of the main cast in the Brazilian Netflix series **“Olhar Indiscreto”** in **2023**.  
  
The type of pneumonia he is currently battling occurs when substances like contaminated food, liquids, or even vomit enter the airways, causing inflammation and severe respiratory infection. Symptoms can arise shortly after aspiration, including **chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, fever, and fatigue**, and are more prevalent in individuals with **immunosuppression**.

Ângelo Rodrigues está estável e não corre risco de vida. Internamento deve-se a pneumonia por aspiração, uma infeção respiratória grave.

Breaking News: Actor Ângelo Rodrigues in Coma After Severe Pneumonia

### Benfica Triumphs in the Taça de Portugal

The **Benfica** football team, known for its record number of victories in the Taça de Portugal, has successfully qualified for the quarterfinals after defeating **Farense** 3-1 in a thrilling match held in the Algarve. 

**Goalscorers** for Benfica included:
- **Schjelderup** at 56 minutes
- **Arthur Cabral** at 58 minutes
- **Bah** at 62 minutes

This victory comes on the heels of Benfica's recent success in the **Taça da Liga**, where they also emerged victorious. Farense initially took the lead with a goal from **Tomané** at the 7-minute mark.

Looking ahead, Benfica is set to host the winner of the match between **Sporting de Braga** and **Lusitano de Évora** from the Campeonato de Portugal in the quarterfinals, scheduled for February 4-6. Should they progress to the semifinals, they will face either **Elvas** or **Tirsense**, both teams from the fourth tier of Portuguese football.

O Benfica, recordista de vitórias na prova, qualificou-se hoje para os quartos de final da Taça de Portugal em futebol, ao vencer o Farense por 3-1, em ...

Benfica Dominates in Taça de Portugal, Advances to Quarterfinals with a 3-1 Victory

Pedro Nuno Santos explained on Tuesday night why he chose parliamentary leader **Alexandra Leitão** as the PS candidate for the Lisbon city council: "The PS had to make its biggest bet. After me, **Alexandra Leitão** is the most important figure in the PS." He slightly corrected himself by adding, "After me and the party president." However, the position held by **Carlos César** is not executive – for the first time, Pedro Nuno officially recognizes Alexandra as his number two, which she already was in practice.

The choice of the parliamentary leader, according to the party's secretary-general, is "the sign of the strong bet we are making in Lisbon, where **Carlos Moedas**' inability to solve the problems of Lisbon residents is becoming increasingly clear."

Pedro Nuno highlighted **Alexandra Leitão's profile**, her "capacity for realization and execution," her "determination," and her "strength to solve problems." A doer, indeed – a term Pedro Nuno Santos likes to apply to himself.

When journalists asked if **Alexandra Leitão** was chosen because she was the socialist leader most capable of uniting the left – in a coalition where the PS intends to gather **Bloco de Esquerda**, **Livre**, **PAN**, and persuade the **PCP** to abandon its idea of running alone for the Lisbon city council – Pedro Nuno Santos replied that this was not the criterion for her selection.

"The choice of **Alexandra Leitão** is not related to that. The profile of realization and execution she has, yes. I am convinced that **Alexandra Leitão** is the right person for the PS to govern the Lisbon city council again."

Later, when asked if **Mariana Vieira da Silva** – who was also a possibility for Lisbon – would be a candidate for the Sintra city council, Pedro Nuno Santos dodged the question but praised Vieira da Silva as "one of the most important figures in the PS, with great political capacity and quality."

However, he returned to praising **Alexandra Leitão**, which ended up being a relative diminishment of **Mariana Vieira da Silva**: "I understand that we needed to make a very strong bet. The strength that the parliamentary leader has in the PS and in national politics makes clear our commitment to the city of Lisbon to take this electoral battle seriously and to win it."

O secretário-geral do PS afirmou que a escolha de Alexandra Leitão para se candidatar a Lisboa “é sinal de aposta forte”. Elogiou a “determinação” e “capacidade de realização” da líder da bancada.

Pedro Nuno Santos Declares Alexandra Leitão as Key Figure for PS in Lisbon Election

### Inquiry into Santa Casa Management Resumes

The **parliamentary inquiry** into the strategic and financial management of the **Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa (SCML)** resumed on Tuesday with the hearing of **Fernando Paes Afonso**, who was part of the institution from **2002 to 2005** and served as vice-provedor from **2011 to 2016**.

During his testimony, Paes Afonso revealed that there is an ongoing **administrative and judicial initiative in the European Union** aimed at challenging the **monopoly of Santa Casa in state social games**. He expressed concerns regarding Santa Casa's entry into the **online gaming market**, emphasizing that even during his tenure, the state's monopoly was already under scrutiny.

The inquiry committee aims to hear a total of **119 individuals**, including three former provedor's: **Pedro Santana Lopes**, **Edmundo Martinho**, and **Ana Jorge**, as well as the current provedor **Paulo de Sousa**. The list also includes 19 members of the successive boards of SCML and 11 government officials.

Additionally, six unions, 34 individuals from other social bodies, and five from other leadership positions will be heard, along with 21 others responsible for managing SCML's subsidiaries and officials from the **Cruz Vermelha Hospital** and **Parpública** administration. Notably, the list features **16 relevant personalities and entities**, including **Nuno Rebelo de Sousa**, the son of the President of the Republic, in his capacity as former president of the **Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in São Paulo**.

Lawyers and firms representing SCML in the internationalization of social games will also be called in for questioning.

Former provedor **Pedro Santana Lopes** has already responded in writing to the inquiry committee's questions, stating that the institution's losses, which initiated the parliamentary inquiry, have nothing to do with his six-year management. He lamented being the first to be heard in a process unrelated to the causes of the inquiry, which pertains to internationalization issues.


Comissão parlamentar de inquérito está a ouvir Fernando Paes Afonso que esteve na Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa entre 2002 e 2005, tendo também sido vice-provedor entre 2011 e 2016.

Former Santa Casa Manager Warns: Monopoly on State Games Under Threat

### A Rare Sight in Lisbon
Once a common sight throughout the city, **public urinals** in Lisbon have become a rarity. However, three of these unique fixtures are still in operation, and we’re here to reveal their locations!

![Public Urinal in Lisbon](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14152916/urinol-do-castelo-%40vleandro-_2-1024x576.jpeg)
*Photo by @vleandro*

These **public urinals** were essential elements of the urban furniture in the late 19th century and were often found in bustling parts of the city. Today, despite their scarcity, three specimens have stood the test of time. Some of them are more **“hidden”** than others, and it’s likely that you’ve passed by them without even noticing!

### A Historical Perspective
The design of Lisbon's public urinals was inspired by **France**, installed as part of the city’s efforts to improve sanitary conditions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Other cities that adopted this idea include **Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin,** and some American towns. These ornately designed structures not only served hygienic purposes but also added a touch of **artistic detail** to the urban landscape.

![Historical Public Urinal](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14151517/lisboeta-junto-a-um-urinol-em-lisboa-Lisboa-local-nao-identificado-Arquivo-Municipal-de-Lisboa-Paulo-Guedes-1886-1947-s.d.-PT-AMLSB-CMLSBAH-PCSP-004-PAG-000131.jpg)
*Man by a public urinal in Lisbon. | © Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa, Paulo Guedes (1886-1947)*

Over time, these facilities fell out of favor as more modern and hygienic options became available. The three remaining urinals are now considered **historical relics**, though their operation can sometimes be limited.

### The Last Three Public Urinals
Let’s dive into where you can still spot and use these resilient urinals in different areas of the Portuguese capital:

#### The Most Famous
The most renowned urinal is also our favorite, tucked away near the **entrance of the Castle of São Jorge**, on Rua do Chão da Feira. It’s so discreet that unless you know it’s there, you might miss it entirely, identifiable only by a small iron plaque featuring a boy urinating, reminiscent of **Brussels' Manneken Pis**.

#### The Most Intact
For over 30 years, we’ve passed by **Praça David Leandro da Silva**, where the urinals of **Marvila** or **Poço do Bispo** still stand, blending antiquity with modernity. The smaller green urinal accommodates four male users, while the adjacent “kiosk” caters to all genders with a sturdier structure.

![Marvila Urinal](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14164304/Urinol-de-Marvila-ou-Poco-do-Bispo-%C2%A9-Camara-Municipal-de-Lisboa.jpg)
*Urinal of Marvila or Poço do Bispo. | © Câmara Municipal de Lisboa*

#### The Least Known
Before this exploration, we were completely unaware of this hidden gem located in **Praça Viscondessa dos Olivais**. It’s tucked away in a secluded corner, just as such facilities should be!

![Olivais Urinal](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/14163826/Urinol-Praca-Viscondessa-dos-Olivais-%C2%A9-Junta-de-Freguesia-de-Olivais-_3.jpg)
*Urinal in Praça Viscondessa dos Olivais. | © Rui Elias*

These public infrastructures, while seemingly mundane, hold a unique charm and are an integral part of Lisbon's history, reminding us of the city’s rich past amidst the modern landscape.

Outrora presença comum em toda a cidade, os urinóis de Lisboa são hoje uma raridade, mas há três que continuam em pleno funcionamento.

Discover Lisbon's Hidden Treasures: The Last Three Public Urinals Still in Use!

### Surgeons in Algarve Respond to Increased Demand

Due to a **surge in patient demand**, scheduled non-urgent surgeries at Algarve hospitals have been **canceled**. This decision took effect on Monday, and approximately **twenty appointments** have already been postponed in the region.

Tiago Botelho, director of the local health unit, stated, "This measure is under **constant evaluation** and can be reversed at any moment." He emphasized that the clinical direction is closely monitoring the situation, assessing both the demand for emergency care and requests from various surgical specialties to avoid canceling surgeries.

Botelho remains optimistic, noting that if the demand for emergency services continues as observed, and with the addition of **51 new beds**, it may be possible to **reverse the decision** within the week.

### Staffing Adjustments for Emergency Services

To manage the increased demand, both **Portimão and Faro** emergency services have been reinforced with the hiring of **16 additional professionals**, including doctors and nurses, to oversee the newly opened beds. Most of these new hires are **temporary staff** to handle the **transitory spike in activity**.

Despite these operational changes, Botelho assures that the emergency teams are adequately equipped to handle incoming patients. He acknowledges that maintaining service levels for patients staying longer than usual in emergency care was becoming challenging, but the recruitment for the new beds has allowed existing staff to focus on new patients effectively.

A medida entrou em vigor esta segunda-feira. J&#225; ter&#227;o sido adiadas cerca de duas dezenas de marca&#231;&#245;es na regi&#227;o.

Housing Referendum Movement Accuses Government of Dodging Popular Initiative in Lisbon

Summary:

Government's Controversial Changes to Local Accommodation Law

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Pedro Nuno Santos Declares Alexandra Leitão as Key Figure for PS in Lisbon Election

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Discover Lisbon's Hidden Treasures: The Last Three Public Urinals Still in Use!

Algarve Hospitals Cancel Scheduled Surgeries Amid Rising Patient Demand