### Milestone Achievement
**Mais Algarve** has reached an impressive milestone of **over 10,000 subscribers** on their YouTube channel as of **October 3, 2024**. With a vast library of **over 1,800 videos**, this achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of the team.

![Youtube Milestone](https://maisalgarve.pt/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/youtube-creator-10k-milestone-background-w520px-h293px-2x.gif)

### Gratitude to Supporters
The team expresses heartfelt thanks to all subscribers for their **recognition** and **support** in promoting the channel. They appreciate the community's engagement and hope to continue receiving support from those who enjoy their content.

> **"Thank you all for your help in spreading the word about our channel!"**

A Mais Algarve, atingiu na data de hoje (03/10/24) +10.000 subscritores no seu canal do Youtube e temos publicado +1.800 vídeos. Obrigado a todos pelo

Mais Algarve Celebrates Milestone of Over 10,000 YouTube Subscribers!

As night descends over Lisbon, a young girl poses for captivating pictures by the **Tagus River** at **Comércio Square**. This picturesque scene captured on **November 19, 2024**, showcases the charm and beauty of Portugal's capital city, highlighted by the enchanting evening light. **(AP Photo/Armando Franca)**

A girl poses for pictures by the Tagus river at the Comercio square in Lisbon, as night falls, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

Captivating Nightfall: A Girl's Portrait by the Tagus River in Lisbon

## PCP's Absence from November 25th Session

The **PCP (Portuguese Communist Party)** has announced its decision to **not attend** the solemn session commemorating the **25th of November** in parliament. This announcement was made on Tuesday by the party's **secretary-general, Paulo Raimundo**. 

Raimundo expressed that those promoting this commemorative event are aiming to "**relaunch a counter-revolutionary offensive against April**", referring to the **Carnation Revolution** which overthrew Portugal's dictatorship in 1974. The PCP's boycott signals their disapproval of the current political narrative surrounding this historical date.

![PCP Declines Attendance](https://asset.skoiy.com/jnrcnjwljorqgsbu/szfckndjrrbu.jpg?w=1852&q=80)  
*Photo: Miguel A. Lopes/Lusa*

Os deputados do PCP vão faltar à sessão solene do 25 de Novembro no parlamento, anunciou, esta terça-feira, o secretário-geral do partido, considerando que quem está a promover essa efeméride pretende "relançar a ofensiva contrarrevolucionária contra Abril".

PCP Declines to Attend November 25th Commemorative Session: A Political Statement?

## National Railway Workers' Union Calls for General Strike

The **National Union of Railway Drivers (Smaq)** has announced a **general strike** set for **December 6**, which is expected to affect services from **CP**, **IP**, **Fertagus**, **Metro Sul do Tejo**, **ViaPorto**, **Captrain**, and **Medway**. This strike aims to uphold **rail safety**, and the **dignity and respect** for drivers, emphasizing that strikes are not just about better working conditions and salaries but also about defending professional honor.

## Reaction to Minister's Remarks

Smaq expressed strong disapproval of the **Minister of the Presidency, Leitão Amaro**, following his announcement of new sanctions related to alcohol consumption among railway professionals. The minister stated that **Portugal has the second-worst performance** in terms of railway accidents per kilometer, proposing legislation to prohibit driving under the influence of alcohol. He noted that Portugal's lenient approach to penalties is paradoxical given its poor safety record.

## Union’s Indignation

In response, Smaq sent a letter to the minister expressing **profound indignation** over the handling of safety issues, particularly the unfounded link between Portugal's **poor safety rankings** and drivers' alcohol levels. Despite requests for clarification, the union has yet to receive a response, which they claim worsens the disrespect towards drivers, who undergo rigorous medical, psychological, and operational scrutiny.

## Striving for Better Safety Conditions

The union states that the goal of the strike is to protect railway professionals and demand **adequate safety conditions** for their work. They argue that the minister's comments suggesting a connection between allowable alcohol levels and poor safety performance are **false and disrespectful**. The current limit of **0.20g/l** is considered low and widely accepted, with no recorded railway accidents attributed to alcohol consumption.

## Key Demands from Smaq

Smaq outlined several key demands, including:
- Closing the most dangerous level crossings, which account for **38% of significant accidents**.
- Ensuring that platforms at renovated stations meet operational needs, which are often neglected by **IP**, leading to operational difficulties and passenger safety concerns.
- Addressing the **obsolete materials** used by CP and the **communication failures** between trains and control centers.
- Tackling the **deplorable state** of Metro Sul do Tejo's rolling stock and the **shortage of spare parts**.
- Resolving frequent signaling issues and chronic overcrowding on **Fertagus** trains during peak hours.

A report from **IMT** indicates that Portugal recorded **29 significant accidents** last year, primarily due to factors unrelated to driving.

Sindicato dos maquinistas diz que greves “servem também para defender a honra e o respeito profissional” e critica falta de esclarecimento do ministro após declaração sobre segurança e álcool.

Railway Workers to Strike on December 6: A Battle for Dignity and Safety

## Rising Tensions in Moedas' Right-Wing Coalition

The **right-wing coalition** led by Carlos Moedas in Lisbon is facing significant challenges even before its formation. There are growing **irritations** and **mutual distrust** among the coalition partners, which include PSD, IL, and CDS.

### Moedas and CDS Friction

According to sources from the Observador, there are indications that **Carlos Moedas** is reconsidering the inclusion of **Iniciativa Liberal (IL)** in the coalition. The situation is becoming increasingly complicated due to a recent campaign by the liberals in Lisbon that featured messages about **litter** and promoting a **clean city**. This campaign did not sit well with Moedas, who expressed that this is not how a potential partner should behave.

### Discontent from Iniciativa Liberal

**Rodrigo Mello Gonçalves**, leader of IL in Lisbon, claims that the party aligns with Moedas' views on the **waste management system**, stating that it is ineffective and has been a longstanding issue. He finds the interpretation that IL's campaign signifies a reluctance to join the coalition to be exaggerated, emphasizing that **no discussions** have occurred and all options remain open.

### CDS Criticism of Liberals

The campaign focusing on rubbish collection has also led to increased criticism from CDS towards IL. A party source remarked that IL has been critical without offering constructive solutions, pointing out their **outdoor advertisements** comparing PSD to PS. This has led to evident friction, raising questions about whether PSD values the arguments against collaborating with IL more than those in favor.

### Uncertain Future of the Coalition

At the highest levels, discussions about extending the **Aliança Democrática** to include IL have been inconsistent. In an October interview, **Luís Montenegro**, the PSD leader, acknowledged the possibility of such a coalition, particularly in Lisbon. However, **Rui Rocha**, representing IL, has not committed to these discussions, indicating discomfort with Montenegro's comments and asserting that IL will not merely be a temporary support for PSD.


Grande frente de direita de Moedas para correr novamente a Lisboa tem já tantos irritantes que pode ruir antes mesmo de existir. Desconfiança entre PSD, IL e CDS existe e vai ganhando novos capítulos.

Tensions Rise: Will Carlos Moedas' Right-Wing Alliance Survive the Strain?

### Algae Overrun Meia-Praia de Lagos

The **Meia-Praia de Lagos** has witnessed a significant **invasion of algae**, creating an unusual sight along its shores. The most striking accumulation can be observed near the **mole** and the city of Lagos, where the algae form a formidable barrier.

This phenomenon has been increasingly reported across various **Algarve beaches**, with locations such as **Armação de Pêra**, **Vau**, **Três Irmãos**, and **Praia da Rocha** also experiencing similar algae invasions. Experts indicate that these algae are likely imported from **Asian countries** like **Japan** and **South Korea**.

### The Impact on Beachgoers and Local Economy

The presence of these algae poses inconveniences for beachgoers and has potential negative effects on **fishing** and **marine life**. Local municipalities face significant expenses as clearing the beaches of these substantial algae masses can be both costly and time-consuming. For instance, at **Praia da Rocha**, the **Portimão City Council** undertook a cleanup operation, which involved relocating tons of algae, forming a large mound that took days to remove.

While some suggest awaiting natural tides to wash the algae away, the current state presents an **unattractive postcard** of the Algarve's beautiful beaches.

**Watch the video here:** [Video Link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ13Xo6-tzw)

A Meia-Praia de Lagos foi invadida por uma enorme quantidade de algas. A zona em que a concentração é mais impressionante é a que fica situada perto do molhe.

Invasion of Algae at Meia-Praia: The Stunning Transformation of Algarve's Beaches

## Proposed Changes to Public Sector Holiday Regulations

The **Portuguese Government** aims to reform public sector holiday regulations by adopting a provision from the **Labour Code** that mandates the **allocation of peak holiday periods**. This adjustment will extend the consideration period from the last two years to **four years**.

According to the proposal submitted to unions such as **FESAP**, **Frente Comum**, and **STE**, "In scheduling holidays, the most sought-after periods must be allocated whenever possible, benefiting workers alternately based on the periods taken in the past four years."

This initiative follows earlier discussions in an amendment to the **State Budget**, where the **PSD** and **CDS** parties suggested aligning public sector holiday rules with those in the Labour Code, which currently considers only the previous two years.

### Union Reactions

The **Fesap** union acknowledges that the proposed changes make some sense but warns that regulating the allocation of holidays might lead to increased conflict. The secretary-general of Fesap stated that if the government had been more transparent from the start, it could have avoided speculation around the legislative requests.

He emphasized that more regulation in this area could lead to greater tension, noting that there has been no disruption in services due to workers taking holidays.

### Health Justification

Regarding health justification, the proposal allows for sick leave to be validated not just by the **National Health Service (SNS)** but also by private entities. This change is seen as beneficial, particularly for those under the **convergent social protection regime**, as it extends deadlines, alleviating the pressure on public employees to constantly seek medical board approvals.

### Minor Adjustments Acknowledged

Both **STE** and **Frente Comum** view the government's proposed changes as minor but plan to analyze them to understand their implications better. They pointed out that while the adjustments concerning holiday justification and strike notice are not significant, the proposed changes regarding employee mobility have raised more questions.

Maria Helena Rodrigues, president of STE, noted that the mobility adjustments could involve a three-year commitment period, which needs closer examination.

### Transparency Issues

Criticism has been directed at the government for its lack of initial transparency in introducing legislative requests within the **2025 State Budget** proposal without clearly outlining its intentions. The unions stress that clearer communication from the outset could have prevented misunderstandings regarding these crucial issues.

In terms of strike rights, the proposal aims to make it mandatory for strike notices to be sent electronically to the **DGAEP** (Directorate-General for Public Administration and Employment).

The next negotiation meeting on these matters is scheduled for **November 26**.

Governo esclareceu aos sindicatos que a ideia é transcrever para a lei da função pública o que prevê o Código do Trabalho, mas com um período mais longo, contando os últimos quatro anos.

Portugal's New Holiday Policy: What You Need to Know About the Proposed Changes

### Key Collaboration in Offshore Wind Development

Heavyweights from **Norwegian industry** are converging on **Portugal** to enhance cooperation as **Iberia's offshore wind plan** gains momentum. The event titled **‘Portugal and Norway: Fostering Offshore Wind Supply Chain Development’** is set to take place at the **Museu do Oriente** in Lisbon on **December 3**.

The **open event** is being organized by **WavEC Offshore Renewables** in partnership with the **Norwegian Embassy** in Portugal, **Innovation Norway**, and **Norwegian Offshore Wind**. For detailed program information and registration, [click here](https://108.181.21.229/?__cpo=aHR0cHM6Ly93YXZlY3NlbWluYXIyMDI0LnRhY29uZ3Jlc3NwY28uY29t).

### Notable Speakers and Participants

The event will feature keynote addresses from **Hanne Brusletto**, the **Norwegian Ambassador to Portugal**, and **Lidia Bulcão**, **Portugal’s Secretary of State for the Sea**. Participants will include various organizations such as **DGEG, DNV, Source Galileo, TechnipFMC**, and many more. The event will conclude with remarks from Portugal’s **Secretary of State for Energy**.

### Portugal's Ambitious Energy Goals

This conference occurs shortly after the **Portuguese Government** unveiled an updated **National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP)** for **2021-2030**, which emphasizes ambitious targets for offshore wind energy as part of its strategy to transition to renewable energy. Previously, Portugal aimed for a **300 MW** offshore wind capacity by **2025**, but has now raised the target to **2 GW** by **2030**.

### Industry Insights

**Marco Alves**, CEO of WavEC, highlighted the importance of international partnerships in accelerating progress in offshore wind expansion. He stated, “We are delighted to welcome partners from Norway, which plays a leading role in the offshore wind sector.” Alves emphasized that **supply chains** are crucial for the success of offshore wind projects.

Portugal phased out **coal-fired power generation** in **2021** and currently generates about **60%** of its electricity from renewable sources. The NECP aims to increase this share to **80%** by **2030**.

### Future Prospects

The **Offshore Renewable Energy Action Plan (PAER)** has allocated **10 GW** of reserve capacity for offshore wind, aligning with the NECP. Public consultations for new policies began in **Q3 2024**, with the first site auctions expected in **mid-2025**.

In Norway, nearly **98%** of electricity comes from renewables, with a significant focus on wind and hydropower. **Rodrigo Ballesteros Cruz** from **Innovation Norway** noted the potential for collaboration between Norway and Portugal to develop sustainable offshore wind solutions.

**Einar Tollaksvik**, leader of the **Portugal Working Group of Norwegian Offshore Wind**, emphasized Norway's extensive experience and technology in offshore wind, particularly in **floating offshore wind**.

**WavEC** is recognized as a global center of excellence in marine renewable energy, supporting over **70 R&D projects** and collaborating with more than **350 partners** across **32 countries**. They also co-manage the **Aguçadoura test site** in northern Portugal.

### Event Registration

To register for the event **“Portugal and Norway: Fostering Offshore Wind Supply Chain Development,”** [click here](https://108.181.21.229/?__cpo=aHR0cDovL3d3dy53YXZlYy5vcmc).

 Heavyweights from Norwegian industry are descending on Portugal to drive collaboration as Iberia’s offshore wind plan takes flight‘Portugal and Norwa...

Mais Algarve Celebrates Milestone of Over 10,000 YouTube Subscribers!

Summary:

Milestone Achievement

Gratitude to Supporters

Comments

Join Our Community

Subscribe our newsletter to receive our daily digested news

PortugalToday.news

Other Latest News

Captivating Nightfall: A Girl's Portrait by the Tagus River in Lisbon

PCP Declines to Attend November 25th Commemorative Session: A Political Statement?

Railway Workers to Strike on December 6: A Battle for Dignity and Safety

Tensions Rise: Will Carlos Moedas' Right-Wing Alliance Survive the Strain?

Invasion of Algae at Meia-Praia: The Stunning Transformation of Algarve's Beaches

Portugal's New Holiday Policy: What You Need to Know About the Proposed Changes

Norway and Portugal Join Forces for a Groundbreaking Offshore Wind Initiative

Other Latest News

Captivating Nightfall: A Girl's Portrait by the Tagus River in Lisbon

PCP Declines to Attend November 25th Commemorative Session: A Political Statement?

Railway Workers to Strike on December 6: A Battle for Dignity and Safety

Tensions Rise: Will Carlos Moedas' Right-Wing Alliance Survive the Strain?

Invasion of Algae at Meia-Praia: The Stunning Transformation of Algarve's Beaches

Portugal's New Holiday Policy: What You Need to Know About the Proposed Changes

Norway and Portugal Join Forces for a Groundbreaking Offshore Wind Initiative