## **Investigation by PSP**  
The commander of the **1st division of the Lisbon PSP** announced today that the police are investigating the **disorder** that occurred on **Rua do Benformoso**. This incident resulted in **seven injuries**, all of whom were **foreigners** legally residing in the country. Notably, the victims were not detained during the investigation.  
![PSP investigates disorder on Rua do Benformoso](https://asset.skoiy.com/jnrcnjwljorqgsbu/dnhm0cwttyjv.jpg?w=1852&q=80)  
*Photo: Pedro Rocha*  
The police have committed to continuing their efforts to uncover the **origin of the clashes**, although the exact cause of the disorder remains **unknown**.

O comandante da 1.ª divisão da PSP de Lisboa disse hoje que a polícia está a investigar a desordem ocorrida na Rua do Benformoso, que causou sete feridos, todos estrangeiros em situação regular no país, excluindo a detenção das vítimas.

Investigation Underway as Chaos Erupts on Rua do Benformoso, Leaving Seven Injured

### 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

### 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. 


Portugal's New Labor Migration Protocol: Fast-Tracked Visas in Just 20 Days!

### Weather Warning for Madeira and Porto Santo
The **Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA)** has issued a **yellow warning** for **high seas, precipitation, and strong winds** in Madeira and Porto Santo until **Thursday, April 3rd**.

### Details of the Weather Warning
- **Northern Coast**: The warning for high seas will be in effect from **9 AM tomorrow** until **3 PM Thursday**, with waves from the northwest reaching **4 to 4.5 meters**.
- **Heavy Rain**: Expect heavy rainfall between **midnight and 6 AM** on Thursday.
- **Strong Winds**: Winds from the **west** with gusts up to **80 km/h** will be under yellow alert from **midnight to 6 PM** on April 3rd, especially in the eastern and western extremes of Madeira Island.
- **Southern Coast**: The warning for high seas with southwest waves up to **4 meters** will be valid from **midnight to noon** on Thursday.
- **Mountain Regions**: Warnings for **heavy rain and strong winds** from the west with gusts up to **100 km/h** between **midnight and 6 PM** on April 3rd.
- **Porto Santo**: The island will also be under warnings for high seas, with northwest waves of **4 to 4.5 meters** from **9 AM Wednesday until 3 PM Thursday**, heavy rain from **midnight to 6 AM**, and winds from the west with gusts up to **80 km/h** from **midnight to 6 PM Thursday**.

O Instituto Português do Mar e Atmosfera (IPMA) colocou a Madeira e o Porto Santo sob aviso amarelo para agitação marítima, precipitação e vento até quinta-feira, dia 3 de Abril.&nbsp;

Severe Weather Alert: Heavy Rain, Wind, and High Seas Expected in Madeira

### New Direct Route from Algarve to Iceland

For the **first time ever**, the Algarve region will have **direct flights** to Iceland, with the inaugural **Faro-Reykjavik** route set to launch on **April 12**. The Icelandic airline **Play** is spearheading this initiative, aiming to attract Icelandic travelers to the sunny Algarve.

### Flight Details

From **April 12** to **October 29**, there will be **two weekly flights** operating on **Saturdays and Wednesdays**. According to Play's website, the **minimum fare** for a one-way ticket starts at **70 euros**, though prices can vary significantly depending on the season. For instance, a round trip in early August is currently priced around **280 euros**.

To celebrate this new season, Play has launched a **discount campaign**, offering **25% off** for bookings made by **April 3**, applicable to flights in May, September, and December (using the code **PLAY25**).

### Expanding Opportunities

Although the route is currently scheduled to operate only until the end of October, the **Tourism of Algarve** is optimistic about extending it year-round. They view this new connection as a chance to **strengthen ties** with a burgeoning tourist market and diversify the region's visitor demographics.

On **April 3**, an event will be held in Reykjavik to further promote the Algarve to **travel agents, tour operators, and journalists**, aiming to showcase the region's potential as a year-round destination that offers more than just sun and sea.

### Connecting to North America

Play is not just focusing on Iceland; it also positions Reykjavik as a **central hub** for transatlantic flights to the **USA and Canada**, including cities like **New York, Washington, and Toronto**. This could potentially increase tourist traffic from North America to the Algarve, as highlighted by André Gomes, president of the Tourism of Algarve.

With this new route, the Algarve is set to **attract more visitors** and enhance its global appeal as a top destination.

É uma novíssima rota para a região: Faro-Reiquejavique estreia a 12 de Abril. A companhia aérea Play lança campanha, Turismo do Algarve quer seduzir islandeses.

Algarve Launches Exciting Direct Flights to Iceland: A New Travel Opportunity Awaits!

### Constitutional Court's Ruling

The **Constitutional Court** has ruled that the **PSD** and **CDS** parties cannot run under the name **'Aliança Democrática'** (AD) without the **Partido Popular Monárquico** (PPM) being part of the coalition. The decision, confirmed by **Público**, was communicated following the court's evaluation of the parties' request.

### Implications of the Decision

According to the court, using the name AD could potentially **mislead voters** into believing that the coalition still includes the monarchical party, as it did in the past. In the **March 2024** legislative elections, the coalition, which included the PPM, won by a narrow margin of about **50,000 votes** against the **PS**.

### PPM's Departure from the Coalition

The PPM's absence from the electoral campaign and its exit from the coalition were attributed to **disputes over placement** on candidate lists. The PPM has expressed strong opposition to the continued use of the name AD, claiming to feel **seriously harmed** by the PSD and CDS's actions. They have threatened legal action to prevent the name from being used in the elections.

### Future Steps for PSD and CDS

In response to the court ruling, the PSD and CDS have considered changing their coalition name to **'AD - Aliança Democrática - PSD/CDS'**, although this has not satisfied the PPM. The electoral law requires that coalition names be submitted for approval before the actual candidacies are presented, which means the PSD and CDS must decide whether to adopt a new name or appeal the court's decision.

### Background on the Coalition Dynamics

The relationship between the parties has been tumultuous, with the PPM previously rejecting participation in the coalition before agreeing to join, influenced by its ability to affect the coalition's agenda. As the situation evolves, the PSD and CDS are faced with critical decisions regarding their political branding and strategy in the upcoming elections.

O PSD e CDS não irão a votos com o PPM e por isso, no entendimento do Tribunal Constitucional, não podem manter o nome da coligação AD para não induzir os eleitores em erro.

Constitutional Court Rules: PSD/CDS Cannot Use 'Aliança Democrática' Name Without PPM

### Algarve Tourism's Bold Move to Iceland

**Algarve Tourism** is set to showcase its stunning destination in **Iceland** on **April 3rd**, coinciding with the launch of the new **Faro-Reykjavik** flight route starting on **April 12**. This exciting event is organized in collaboration with **PLAY Airlines** and will welcome **50 participants**, including travel agents, tour operators, and Icelandic journalists.

The primary goal of this initiative is to **highlight Algarve's potential** as a premier destination for this new market. The region aims to enhance its year-round appeal, showcasing a diverse range of offerings that extend beyond just **sun and sea**. According to the **Algarve Tourism Association (ATA)**, this route will create new connections with key markets like the **USA** and **Canada**. Currently, **PLAY Airlines** operates from cities such as **Baltimore, Boston, New York, Washington D.C.,** and **Toronto**, facilitating increased access for American tourists to the Algarve region.

**André Gomes**, president of Algarve Tourism, stated, "The establishment of this route is the result of ongoing collaboration with the airline and Faro airport, presenting a strategic opportunity for our destination." He added, "The arrival of **PLAY Airlines** at Faro enhances Algarve's status as a globally accessible and diverse destination. We are confident that this new route will boost tourist flows from **North America**, a key market we have been focusing on for the region."

O Turismo do Algarve vai realizar esta quinta-feira, 3 de Abril, uma apresentação do destino na Islândia, no âmbito da nova rota aérea Faro-Reiquiavique que começa no dia 12 deste mês. «O evento, organizado em parceria com a PLAY Airlines, vai contar…

Investigation Underway as Chaos Erupts on Rua do Benformoso, Leaving Seven Injured

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Investigation by PSP

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