## Controversial Suspension of Mandate

Lisbon's councilor **Ângelo Pereira** has **suspended his mandate** following serious allegations against him. He is accused of using his position to **advance private interests** that undermine **public welfare**.

![Ângelo Pereira](https://asset.skoiy.com/tsfiqogiwkcugyug/1utv5p2hizz6.jpg?w=1852&q=80)
*Reinaldo Rodrigues/Global Imagens (archive)*

## Calls for Action

In response to the situation, **Carlos Moedas**, the Mayor of Lisbon, has urged the **Socialist Party (PS)** to **follow his example** and act swiftly in the face of these allegations. He emphasizes the need for the **justice system** to respond with **celerity**, ensuring that any wrongdoing is addressed promptly.

The unfolding events have raised significant concerns regarding the integrity of public office holders in Portugal and the importance of maintaining **public trust**.

O vereador está acusado de utilizar o cargo para satisfazer interesses de natureza privada em prejuízo do interesse público

Lisbon Councilor Ângelo Pereira Suspends Mandate Amid Controversy - Calls for Justice Speed-Up

Karim Aga Khan, the **founder** and **president** of the **Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)**, and leader of the **Ismaili Shia Muslims**, passed away in **Lisbon** at the age of **88**. Known for his **discreet lifestyle**, he was one of the world's wealthiest individuals and dedicated his life to **development efforts** impacting millions.

## Early Life and Leadership
Born on **December 13, 1936**, in Switzerland, Aga Khan was raised in **Kenya** and educated in the **United States**. His leadership began unexpectedly when he was appointed as the **49th hereditary Imam** of the Ismailis at the young age of **20** after the death of his grandfather. This marked a significant generational shift in leadership within the community.

## Development Initiatives
Under his leadership, the **Aga Khan Development Network** evolved into one of the largest private development organizations globally, employing **80,000** people. His efforts included promoting **education**, **health**, and **cultural** initiatives, with notable contributions in **Portugal**, where he established the **Aga Khan Foundation** in **1983**.

In recent years, he focused on social challenges, including **child nutrition**, **healthcare**, and **immigrant support** in Portugal. In **2023**, he commemorated **66 years** as leader, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the lives of the vulnerable.

## Recognition and Legacy
Aga Khan received numerous accolades, including honorary doctorates and several prestigious awards across **Portugal** and the world. He was recognized for his contributions to **humanitarian efforts**, receiving honors such as the **Grand Cross of the Order of Infante D. Henrique** and the **Grand Cross of the Order of Merit**.

Despite his wealth and status, he preferred to maintain a low profile, believing that discretion was essential for effective leadership. His legacy continues through the robust initiatives he championed worldwide, including significant investments in **Lisbon**, where he also acquired properties to further the Ismaili community's global headquarters.

## Personal Life
Karim Aga Khan was married twice, with four children, and was passionate about **horses** and **skiing**. He was known for his charm and ability to navigate complex cultural divides gracefully, embodying the role of an Imam dedicated to serving his community.

His passing marks the end of an era for the Ismaili community and the global philanthropic landscape, leaving behind a profound legacy of compassion and development.

<p>O príncipe Karim Aga Khan tinha 88 anos e morreu em Lisboa. Era um dos homens mais ricos do mundo</p>

Karim Aga Khan, a Global Philanthropist and Spiritual Leader, Passes Away at 88 in Lisbon

### Government's Awareness of the Situation

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, **Paulo Rangel**, stated today that no **Portuguese or luso-Venezuelans** have been deported from the United States since the announcement of a deportation campaign by **Donald Trump**. He assured that should any Portuguese citizens return, they will receive **personalized support**.

### Addressing Community Fears

During a session of the **Foreign Affairs and Portuguese Communities Committee**, Rangel responded to **Deputy Paulo Pisco**, who accused the government of underestimating the situation. Pisco highlighted the **growing fear** within the Portuguese community across various states in the US, noting that many **Portuguese-owned businesses** are empty because people are afraid to go out.

### Government's Proactive Measures

Rangel dismissed the notion of a “**catastrophic**” outlook and emphasized that the Portuguese government is closely monitoring the situation of **undocumented and illegal** Portuguese individuals through **consular posts, embassies, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs**. While he refrained from disclosing specific numbers, he indicated that the government has a clear idea of how many Portuguese are affected.

### Commitment to Action

Rangel acknowledged the **disturbing impact** of uncertainty on these individuals and stressed that the government is taking **daily, hourly, and minute-by-minute** measures to support them. He firmly stated that it is unimaginable that the Portuguese government has abandoned its citizens in such a precarious situation.

### Future Outlook

He expressed optimism about resolving certain cases and reassured that, should a deportation decision occur, the government will be there to **assist these individuals**, whether they remain in the US or return to Portugal with proper support.

Paulo Rangel recusou visões "catastróficas" e referiu que o Governo português está a acompanhar, "ao milímetro, através dos postos consulares, das embaixadas e do Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros, a situação dos portugueses indocumentados e ilegais"

Portugal's Government Stands Ready to Support Citizens Facing Deportation from the US

## Duarte Cordeiro Exonerated
Duarte Cordeiro, the former Minister of Environment, has been cleared in the **Tutti-Frutti Operation**, an investigation that concluded this Tuesday with the **Public Ministry** accusing **60 mayors and business leaders** of various white-collar crimes. Among those cleared are two socialist ministers: **Fernando Medina** and **Duarte Cordeiro**.

In his reaction on social media, Cordeiro stated that it has been clarified what he has always claimed, and after years of dealing with **speculation and suspicion**, he is now **'finally free'**. He expressed his disappointment over the lengthy investigation process, noting, "I was never even heard."

Despite being part of the **PS Secretariat**, Cordeiro chose not to run for deputy in the last legislative elections in March 2024 due to his implication in the **Influencer Operation**. On November 7, 2023, the Ministry of Environment, overseen by Cordeiro, was investigated for two days, and he was mentioned in documents related to meetings with detained individuals.

Cordeiro assured journalists that he was calm regarding his actions in the Ministry, emphasizing that it is common to hold meetings over meals. He remained confident in his innocence and did not resign from his position until the formation of **Luís Montenegro's** government.

## Reactions and Implications
The **Secretary-General of the PS**, **Pedro Nuno Santos**, reacted to the case's closure, calling it "good news," but emphasized the need for reflection on the **speed of justice**. He lamented that individuals involved had to wait **eight or nine years** for the process to be archived.

When asked about the political future for Cordeiro and Medina within the PS, Santos stated that their political rights have not been restricted, affirming the country needs their contributions.

The **Public Ministry** has filed charges against 60 defendants in the **Tutti-Frutti case** for crimes including **corruption, abuse of power, money laundering**, and **influence trafficking**. Notably, two PSD deputies from the **Assembly of the Republic** are also among the accused: **Luís Newton**, who is also the president of the **Estrela Parish Council**, and **Carlos Eduardo Reis**.

O ex-ministro do Ambiente, Duarte Cordeiro, não foi constituído arguido e na mensagem que partilhou informa que nem sequer foi ouvido no âmbito da investigação.

Duarte Cordeiro Cleared in Tutti-Frutti Operation: 'Finally Free' from Speculation

### Europe’s Water Crisis

A recent report from the **European Commission** has unveiled alarming statistics regarding the **pollution** of surface water in the **European Union**. As of 2021, only **39.5%** of the EU's surface water bodies, including lakes, rivers, and coastal waters, were found to be in **good ecological condition**. Furthermore, a mere **26.8%** achieved a **good chemical status**, a decline from **33.5%** in 2015.

### Partial Improvements Not Enough

While the report noted some **partial improvements**, such as enhancements in aquatic plants within lakes, these changes have not significantly improved the overall health of water bodies across Europe. In contrast, the condition of **groundwater** is more promising, with **86%** reported to be in good chemical status. However, agricultural nitrates continue to pose a threat, polluting groundwater supplies in most EU countries.

### Calls for Change

**Jessika Roswall**, the EU’s environment commissioner, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "**Water in the EU is in poor condition**" and urged a shift in mindset regarding water resources. Addressing this issue will be a significant political challenge, particularly due to the substantial impact of agriculture on water supplies.

### Political Challenges Ahead

Last year, farmers across Europe exerted political pressure, staging violent protests against EU regulations that led to a reduction of some environmental measures in Brussels. The Commission acknowledged that more radical actions are needed to tackle **nitrate pollution**, yet recognized the potential political difficulties in implementing such measures.

Pela avaliação da UE, apenas 39,5% dos corpos de água superficiais da UE, como lagos, rios e águas costeiras, estavam em boas condições ecológicas a partir de 2021. Apenas 26,8% tinham um bom estado químico, um valor mais baixo do que os 33,5% registados em 2015

Shocking Report: Europe's Water Resources in Crisis as Pollution Levels Soar

### Overview of the Noise Action Plan
The action plan aimed at mitigating noise from **Lisbon Airport** has faced significant **non-compliance** issues by the operator, **ANA**. The **Portuguese Environment Agency (APA)** reported that essential actions, particularly those involving **soundproofing sensitive buildings**, were not executed as planned.

### Notification of Non-Compliance
In **September last year**, the APA notified the **General Inspectorate of Agriculture, Sea, Environment, and Spatial Planning (IGAMAOT)** regarding these failures. This revelation came from APA's president, **Pimenta Machado**, during a parliamentary hearing on energy and the environment.

### Obligations and Measures
Lisbon Airport is mandated to conduct an environmental sound assessment every five years, proposing measures to mitigate its impact on affected populations. The initial plan, approved for the period of **2018 to 2023**, included **34 measures**, focusing on sound insulation for sensitive buildings like **schools, hospitals, and health centers**. These measures were to be implemented in phases by **June 2024**, yet many crucial actions remain unaddressed.

### APA's Role and Responsibilities
Pimenta Machado clarified that the APA functions as a regulatory and evaluative body, lacking the authority for licensing or enforcement. Consequently, the responsibility for initiating sanction processes lies with IGAMAOT. Notably, the law only introduced penalties for noise action plan violations as of **December 2022**.

### New Plans and Future Actions
ANA submitted a new action plan for the **2024-2029** cycle, which will require adjustments per APA's findings. This plan may extend sound protection measures to residential buildings. The government had previously announced a total flight restriction in Lisbon from **1 AM to 6 AM**.

### Delays and Challenges
The initial noise action plan was meant to be executed in two phases, with deadlines in **January 2021** and **January 2022**. However, ANA delayed the start of interventions, citing the **pandemic** and uncertainties in air traffic recovery as reasons. Following the resumption of operations, ANA claimed the absence of a funding mechanism for these measures, suggesting that costs should be shared with the state or airlines.

### Impact on Communities
The APA's statistics indicated that approximately **388,000 people** were exposed to excessive noise levels due to the airport in **2019**, a figure likely underestimated due to outdated assessments. The lack of community surveys and transparency regarding the best-performing airlines in terms of noise pollution remains a concern.

Medidas mais importantes do primeiro plano de ação contra o ruído do aeroporto de Lisboa ficaram no papel. A APA comunicou o incumprimento por parte da concessionária à inspeção-geral (IGAMAOT). 

Lisbon's Noise Action Plan Fails: Airport Operator Under Fire for Non-Compliance

### A Unique Parking Solution in Lisbon

Lisbon is set to unveil a **new vertical parking facility** in the **Alvalade neighborhood**, featuring **233 parking spaces**. This project is quite distinct because vertical parking structures are not very common in the city.

![Parking Structure Mockup](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/04121248/maquete-do-parque-de-estacionamento-no-mercado-de-alvalade-%40camara_municipal_lisboa-1024x682.jpeg)
*Photos and designs by @camara_municipal_lisboa*

The new facility will be located right next to the **Mercado de Alvalade**, which is set to benefit from this expansion. The construction work commenced on **January 2**, following the setup of the construction site in December 2024.

### Project Overview

This initiative, promoted by the **Lisbon City Council (CML)** and managed by **Telpark**, aims to **modernize infrastructure** and enhance parking availability for **residents, merchants, and visitors** alike.

**Key features of the new parking facility include:**
- **233 parking spaces**, more than double the current 110 spots.
- A **three-level structure** with a roof for added convenience.
- **Charging stations for electric vehicles** powered by solar panels.

The project is expected to take up to **8 months**, with operations anticipated to start by **July or August** of this year. In the meantime, measures are in place to **minimize disruptions** to the local community, including the creation of **temporary parking spaces** along **Avenida da Igreja**.

*Stay updated and follow us on [Facebook](https://208.87.241.149/LisboaSecreta/?__cpo=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29t), [Instagram](https://208.87.241.149/lisboasecreta/?__cpo=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbQ), and now also on [WhatsApp](https://208.87.241.149/channel/0029VazjBFIGE56cK7wPv31v?__cpo=aHR0cHM6Ly93aGF0c2FwcC5jb20)!*

Diferente porque não existem assim tantos lugares de estacionamento em Lisboa construídos na vertical, como acontece com este em Alvalade.

Lisbon's Innovative Vertical Parking: 233 New Spaces Coming to Alvalade!

### Major Indictments in the **Tutti-Frutti Operation**

Sixty mayors and business leaders have been accused by the **Public Prosecutor's Office** of various **white-collar crimes** in the **Tutti-Frutti Operation**. The charges include **active and passive corruption**, money laundering, influence peddling, and document forgery.

### Key Accusations Against Political Figures

Among those accused are several **PS and PSD party members** from Lisbon's municipal councils. Notably, **Luís Newton**, the mayor of Estrela, and **Vasco Morgado** from Santo António, are implicated. The first accused, **Sérgio Azevedo**, a former social-democrat deputy, faces 45 charges related to corruption and other offenses.

### Notable Absence of Charges Against Fernando Medina

Despite being named as a suspect, **Fernando Medina**, the former mayor of Lisbon and current PS deputy, has not been charged. This investigation has been ongoing for nearly eight years, initiated from an anonymous tip-off in 2015. The **Public Prosecutor's Office** has requested that those accused forfeit their political mandates.

### Investigation Background

The inquiry has seen significant developments, including the formation of a dedicated team of prosecutors and inspectors due to the case's complexity. The investigation revealed that **Medina** allegedly allocated **€200,000** to the **XV - Amigos do Rugby de Belém** association in 2017, which was intended for the construction of a rugby field.

Medina has denied any wrongdoing, stating that he acted within the confines of the law, as funding such initiatives is the prerogative of elected councils, not individual mayors. The investigation also scrutinized the free transfer of municipal land use rights for 50 years to the association and the **Portuguese Rugby Federation** during **António Costa's** tenure as mayor.

Em causa estão negócios celebrados por autarcas do PS e do PSD de Lisboa. Ex-presidente da câmara Fernando Medina não foi acusado.

Lisbon Councilor Ângelo Pereira Suspends Mandate Amid Controversy - Calls for Justice Speed-Up

Summary:

Controversial Suspension of Mandate

Calls for Action

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Other Latest News

Karim Aga Khan, a Global Philanthropist and Spiritual Leader, Passes Away at 88 in Lisbon

Portugal's Government Stands Ready to Support Citizens Facing Deportation from the US

Duarte Cordeiro Cleared in Tutti-Frutti Operation: 'Finally Free' from Speculation

Shocking Report: Europe's Water Resources in Crisis as Pollution Levels Soar

Lisbon's Noise Action Plan Fails: Airport Operator Under Fire for Non-Compliance

Lisbon's Innovative Vertical Parking: 233 New Spaces Coming to Alvalade!

Shocking Corruption Scandal: 60 Mayors and Business Leaders Indicted in Portugal's Tutti-Frutti Operation

Other Latest News

Karim Aga Khan, a Global Philanthropist and Spiritual Leader, Passes Away at 88 in Lisbon

Portugal's Government Stands Ready to Support Citizens Facing Deportation from the US

Duarte Cordeiro Cleared in Tutti-Frutti Operation: 'Finally Free' from Speculation

Shocking Report: Europe's Water Resources in Crisis as Pollution Levels Soar

Lisbon's Noise Action Plan Fails: Airport Operator Under Fire for Non-Compliance

Lisbon's Innovative Vertical Parking: 233 New Spaces Coming to Alvalade!

Shocking Corruption Scandal: 60 Mayors and Business Leaders Indicted in Portugal's Tutti-Frutti Operation