### **Disruptions on the Blue Line**

The **Lisbon Metro** is currently experiencing **disruptions** on the **Blue Line**. The company has issued a warning that **waiting times may exceed normal levels**. Commuters are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and anticipate potential delays.

Stay informed about the latest updates to ensure a smoother travel experience during this period of inconvenience.

A empresa alerta que "o tempo de espera pode ser superior ao normal"

Lisbon Metro Blue Line Faces Disruptions: What You Need to Know

## Key Candidates Announced for PSD in Upcoming Elections
The **Social Democratic Party (PSD)** has unveiled its **list of candidates** for the upcoming legislative elections on Wednesday, featuring **11 current ministers** from the executive.

### Leading Names in the Election
- **Luís Montenegro**, the current Prime Minister, will lead the list for **Aveiro**.
- **José Pedro Aguiar Branco**, President of the Assembly of the Republic, is set to head the list for **Viana do Castelo**.
- **Paulo Rangel**, Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, will lead for **Porto**.
- **Joaquim Miranda Sarmento**, responsible for Finance, is the candidate for **Lisbon**.

### Other Notable Candidates
- **Ana Paula Martins**, Minister of Health, is the head for **Vila Real**.
- **Fernando Alexandre**, Minister of Education, will lead the list in **Santarém**.
- **Pedro Reis**, Minister of Economy, is the candidate for **Castelo Branco**.
- **José Manuel Fernandes**, Minister of Agriculture, will represent **Europe**, and **Maria da Graça Carvalho**, Minister of Environment, will head the list for **Faro**.
- **Margarida Balseiro Lopes**, Minister of Youth, is the candidate for **Leiria**, while **Manuel Castro Almeida**, Minister of Territorial Cohesion, will lead for **Portalegre**.
- **Hugo Soares**, Secretary-General and parliamentary leader of the party, will again lead for **Braga** in 2024.

### Notable Omissions
**Miguel Pinto Luz**, the current Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, who previously led the list for Faro, is not included in the current candidates.

### Approval Process
The names were approved in a meeting of the **National Political Commission** of the PSD and are set to be voted on later today in the **National Council**. Notably, the candidates for the **Azores** and **Madeira** have yet to be approved by their respective district political commissions.

O PSD divulgou esta quarta-feira os seus cabeças de lista para as próximas eleições legislativas, incluindo os nomes de 11 ministros do executivo atual. 


PSD Reveals Key Candidates for Upcoming Elections: Montenegro and Aguiar-Branco Lead the Charge

### PSD's Leadership for Upcoming Elections

The **Social Democratic Party (PSD)** has announced its **candidates** for the upcoming legislative elections, with **Luís Montenegro** leading the charge for **Aveiro**, marking a significant shift from his previous candidacy in **Lisbon**. In this new lineup, **Miranda Sarmento** will now take the lead as the **first candidate** for Lisbon, moving up from the second position. 

Two months after the controversial resignation of the government, **Hernâni Dias** is set to head the coalition in **Bragança** once again, showcasing a dynamic shift in the party’s strategy and leadership. 

![Luís Montenegro leading the list for Aveiro](https://asset.skoiy.com/jnrcnjwljorqgsbu/zoi1ugrg2g7r.jpg?w=1852&q=80)
*Luís Montenegro will be the number one candidate for the Aveiro district. Photo: Igor Martins / Archive*

Estão escolhidos os cabeças de lista para as legislativas, com Luís Montenegro a liderar, desta vez, a candidatura da AD por Aveiro, em vez de Lisboa, onde o ministro Miranda Sarmento passa de segundo a primeiro. Dois meses após a polémica demissão do Governo, Hernâni Dias volta a encabeçar a coligação por Bragança.

Key Political Figures Emerge as Leaders for PSD in Upcoming Elections

## Key Immigration Agreement Set for April 1st

The **agreement** between employer confederations and the **Agency for Migration and Asylum (AIMA)** aims to streamline the visa process, allowing for approval within **20 days**. However, it notably lacks a clause that mandates foreign workers to remain in Portugal, despite some expectations from employers for such regulation.

## Key Issues Left Unresolved

Among the unresolved issues is the regulation concerning **housing** for workers, where employers sought assurances that providing accommodation would not lead to increased **tax liabilities**. They proposed that housing costs be treated as a **tax-exempt subsidy**, a point that remains unaddressed in the agreement. Armindo Monteiro, president of the **Confederation of Portuguese Industry (CIP)**, emphasized the necessity of this agreement for the functioning of various sectors, stressing the importance of creating conditions for both employment and living.

## Future Regulations Needed

The obligation for workers to stay in Portugal has been raised, but with the current agreement allowing for free movement within the **Schengen Area**, this remains a regulatory concern for future governments. Monteiro advocates for a mechanism to prevent Portugal from becoming a **"revolving door"** for European labor migration.

## Signing Amid Political Change

Despite fears that the negotiations might collapse following the fall of **Luís Montenegro's** government, the **Protocol for Regulated Labor Migration** is set to be signed on **April 1st**. This protocol includes various stakeholders, such as the **Directorate-General for Consular Affairs** and **Portuguese Communities**, and outlines responsibilities for companies in providing work contracts, health insurance, and adequate housing for foreign workers.

## Implementation Details

While the protocol mandates companies to facilitate **professional training** and **Portuguese language learning** for immigrants, specifics regarding housing arrangements remain vague. The rapid visa regime will be available to companies meeting certain criteria, including a minimum number of employees and business revenue.

## Oversight and Compliance

AIMA will evaluate whether signatory companies can fulfill their commitments, with the state responsible for ensuring compliance through regular inspections and addressing complaints. This oversight is crucial to maintain the integrity of the immigration process and protect workers' rights.

Assinatura do acordo marcada para terça-feira. Regulamentações sobre vistos ou questões de tributação do alojamento ficam para depois. Empresas devem assegurar que trabalhadores ficam em Portugal.

Portugal's New Immigration Deal: What You Need to Know About the 'Green Light' Agreement

## Algarve: "Unique, Special, and Authentic"

What makes the **Algarve** so special? As Carlos Martins from Opium noted during the first panel titled "Valuing the Territory and Communities", people are increasingly seeking what is **"unique and authentic"** to enjoy nature, beaches, culture, and local offerings. Elizabeth Silva, coordinator of the aspiring **Geoparque Algarvensis**, emphasized the importance of providing **unique experiences and quality tourism**, while also addressing challenges such as high coastal density and depopulation in the interior.

In the panel on "Boosting the Economy", Reinaldo Teixeira from **Grupo Enolagest** pointed out the **asymmetries** faced by the region, recalling how some referred to being just 25 kilometers away as “far away” in the past. Internal mobility, with the aim of maintaining a **well-ordered coastline** and **preserving villages**, is crucial for Algarve tourism, which is currently dealing with a **lack of workforce** and affordable accommodation for those working in the sector. Living in the Algarve is becoming increasingly attractive due to its **quality of life**, not only for locals but also for foreigners, making it less seasonal.

John Calvão from **Arrow Global** acknowledged the challenges of workforce accommodation but highlighted the region's significant potential. He stated, "We must sell the dream of living here or spending time here, not only for the sun and sea, which are important but also for the entire **cultural experience**. The Algarve today is vastly improved compared to 2010, with more investments and infrastructure, but we still need to create more value."

Eduardo Miranda from **Alep – Association of Local Accommodation in Portugal** stressed the importance of integrating various on-ground operators and diversifying the **tourist offering throughout the year**. One example mentioned was creating conditions to attract and retain senior populations, such as Americans interested in golf.

A Região de Turismo do Algarve assinalou os 55 anos com um dia de reflexão sobre como valorizar o território, fortalecer as comunidades, impulsionar a economia e promover um crescimento sustentável.

Why the Algarve is No Longer Just a Hidden Gem: Celebrating 55 Years of Tourism Success

### Aircraft Accident in Vila Nova de Cerveira

An **aircraft** crashed on Wednesday at the **Cerval Aerodrome** in Vila Nova de Cerveira. The accident was confirmed by the **Vila Nova de Cerveira Volunteer Firefighters**, who received the alert in the early afternoon.

According to information gathered, the **aircraft** was being used for an **exam**, with a student and an examiner on board. Both individuals suffered injuries and **rescue operations** are currently underway.

The **Civil Protection** website reported that **seven vehicles** and **18 personnel** were mobilized to the scene to provide assistance.

Aeronave caiu no aeródromo de Cerval, Vila Nova de Cerveira, com aluno e examinador a bordo. Alerta foi recebido pelos bombeiros ao início da tarde desta quarta-feira.

Aircraft Crash in Vila Nova de Cerveira: Exam Turned Emergency

### A Bold Proposal for Housing in Portugal

The Secretary-General of the Socialist Party (PS), **Pedro Nuno Santos**, has put forth a compelling proposal to allocate a portion of the **dividends from Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD)** to fund local municipalities in their efforts to construct housing. He emphasized that this initiative addresses what he considers **"the main national problem"**.

During the opening session focused on housing, which marks the beginning of the electoral program update leading to the **2025 Legislative Manifesto**, Santos stated, **"We believe it is a good idea that part of the CGD dividends feed a state account that allows our municipalities to access financing for housing projects."** According to him, **"the state has this capacity, the country has this need"**, and many municipalities in Portugal possess the **dynamism and initiative** needed to build housing for the **middle-income population**.

In 2024, the public bank distributed **50% of its net income** to the state, which amounted to approximately **€1.6 billion**, largely derived from housing revenue. Santos expressed his desire to hear from former government officials and experts in the field to enhance the PS's political response to this pressing issue.

### Addressing Housing Challenges

Santos argued that **"there is no silver bullet for housing"**, and that all possible solutions must be explored. He called for a significant increase in **public construction and rehabilitation of public properties**, asserting that **"the state has the obligation to scale up public construction"**, a key objective of the PS.

Criticizing the current PSD/CDS-PP government, Santos claimed their housing measures have only **worsened the problem**, particularly highlighting the impact of the **IMT exemption**, which has pushed **young people further away from home ownership**. He acknowledged the need to possibly regulate the housing market, stating that housing is increasingly viewed as a **financial asset** rather than a basic living necessity.

### The Need for More Houses

Santos pointed out that **transnational demand** has severe repercussions on prices and has excluded many Portuguese from accessing housing, stating that **"we have no doubt that we need more houses in the market. This requires regulation and mobilization of numerous vacant properties."** He noted that while Portugal used to construct **100,000 units per year**, the current figure has dropped to around **30,000**. Many of these units are located in areas where they are not as needed, complicating efforts to ensure they are used for housing.


Segundo o líder do PS, 'o Estado tem essa capacidade, o país tem essa necessidade' e há autarquias em Portugal 'com uma grande capacidade, dinamismo e iniciativa' para, com recursos, 'poderem construir habitação para a população de rendimentos intermédios'.

Transforming Portugal's Housing Crisis: PS Proposes Funding Solutions from CGD Dividends

### Water Levels Surge in Algarve

The **six reservoirs** supplying the Algarve have reached **84%** of their total water storage capacity, thanks to recent rains that added **30 million cubic meters** of water, as reported by the **Portuguese Environment Agency (APA)**.

According to APA President **Pimenta Machado**, this marks a **historic record** for the Algarve region. However, he emphasized the need for **responsible water management** to ensure sustainability. "We have more water now, and the Algarve is much more stable, but we must continue to use water responsibly to secure the future," he stated.

### Significant Increase in Water Volume

The total volume of water in the six reservoirs has increased to **376 hectometers cubed (hm3)**, a rise of about **217 hm3** since March 2024, when the volume was only **159 hm3**, or **36%** of capacity. Compared to the same period last year, there is an increase of **99 hm3** in the eastern Algarve and **118 hm3** in the western Algarve.

### Reservoir Capacities

- **Odeleite Reservoir**: 98% full (127.34 hm3)
- **Beliche Reservoir**: 91% full (43.81 hm3)
- **Funcho Reservoir**: 82% full (39.12 hm3)
- **Odelouca Reservoir**: 82% full (129.28 hm3)
- **Arade Reservoir**: 59% full (16.80 hm3)
- **Bravura Reservoir**: 56% full (19.35 hm3)

Last week, the **Odeleite Dam**, the most crucial in the eastern Algarve, opened its gates for a **controlled water release** for the first time since **2018**. The **Beliche Dam**, also in the Faro district, underwent a similar release.

### Government Measures

On **March 14**, the government announced a **relaxation of water consumption restrictions** in the Algarve, imposing a **5% reduction** across agriculture, urban areas, and tourism sectors.

As seis barragens que abastecem o Algarve estão com 84% da capacidade total de armazenamento de água, tendo as chuvas dos últimos dias acrescentado mais 30 milhões de metros cúbicos, disse à Lusa fonte oficial.

Lisbon Metro Blue Line Faces Disruptions: What You Need to Know

Summary:

Disruptions on the Blue Line

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PSD Reveals Key Candidates for Upcoming Elections: Montenegro and Aguiar-Branco Lead the Charge

Key Political Figures Emerge as Leaders for PSD in Upcoming Elections

Portugal's New Immigration Deal: What You Need to Know About the 'Green Light' Agreement

Why the Algarve is No Longer Just a Hidden Gem: Celebrating 55 Years of Tourism Success

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Why the Algarve is No Longer Just a Hidden Gem: Celebrating 55 Years of Tourism Success

Aircraft Crash in Vila Nova de Cerveira: Exam Turned Emergency

Transforming Portugal's Housing Crisis: PS Proposes Funding Solutions from CGD Dividends

Algarve Reservoirs Reach 84% Capacity: A Historic Water Storage Recovery