**GNR Intensifies Coastal Patrols**

The **National Republican Guard (GNR)** has announced that it has ramped up its patrol efforts along the Algarve coast due to worsening weather and sea conditions. This increase in vigilance has led to significant drug seizures.

On **Wednesday**, GNR reported the confiscation of **21,400 doses of hashish** found in nine packages, along with **eleven jerrycans** at **Quinta do Lago beach**. This operation is part of an ongoing effort to combat drug trafficking in the region.

Earlier in the week, on **Tuesday**, GNR had already seized **93.6 kilograms of hashish** from beaches in the municipalities of **Vila do Bispo** and **Lagoa**. These operations highlight the GNR's commitment to maintaining safety along Portugal's coastline amidst challenging conditions.

A Unidade de Controlo Costeiro e de Fronteiras (UCCF) da GNR apreendeu na quarta-feira 21.400 doses de haxixe e onze jerricãs na Praia da Quinta do Lago, ...

Major Drug Bust: GNR Seizes Over 21,000 Hashish Doses at Algarve Beach

**Portugal's Longstanding Ties with the USA**

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has extended his congratulations to **Donald Trump** on his inauguration as the **47th President of the United States**. He expressed confidence that strengthening the **transatlantic relationship** will remain a **shared objective** between the two nations.

In a statement shared on his official website, Rebelo de Sousa emphasized, "**Portugal has a long and fruitful relationship with the USA**, which we will continue to cultivate in the interest of both peoples, including the extensive community of Portuguese and Lusodescendants in the US and the growing number of Americans in our country."

**A New Chapter in US Leadership**

Donald Trump was inaugurated today in a ceremony at the **Capitol in Washington**, marking the beginning of his second term in the White House. The swearing-in ceremony followed the inauguration of his Vice President, **JD Vance**, who played a key role in leading the Republican nomination, which triumphed in the presidential elections against the Democratic candidate, **Kamala Harris**, on November 5.

The Washington ceremony was noted for the attendance of international populist and far-right politicians, with few government officials present and no leaders from the **European Union**, except for Italian Prime Minister **Georgia Meloni**.

Trump returns to the presidency after his first term from **2017 to 2021**, during which he lost the re-election bid to Democrat **Joe Biden**, who he now succeeds in office.

O Presidente da República, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, felicitou Donald Trump pela assunção de funções como 47.º Presidente dos Estados Unidos da América, convicto de que o reforço da relação transatlântica continuará um objetivo comum.


Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa Congratulates Trump: A New Era for Transatlantic Relations

### Motorpor's New Facility in Faro

Motorpor has officially opened its new **9,000 square meter** facility in Faro, which will feature a **showroom**, workshops, a collision unit, a parts center, a vehicle logistics center, and soon, a training center. This new space will be home to **seven Stellantis brands**: **FIAT, Abarth, Peugeot, Opel, Citroën, Jeep,** and **DS Automobiles**. 

According to Motorpor, this investment of **€5 million** in the Algarve marks the end of a three-year commitment to the region. CEO **Manuel Coutinho** stated that this investment is a significant milestone in the company's national expansion strategy and reinforces their presence in the Algarve.

![Motorpor's New Facility](https://www.razaoautomovel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Novas-instalacoes-Motorpor-Faro-1.webp)
*© Motorpor - The new facilities will feature a training center in partnership with CEPRA (Automobile Repair Professional Training Center).* 

Motorpor has created **45 new jobs** in the Algarve and plans to expand further into Portimão to meet customer needs. The inauguration event was attended by over **200 guests**, including notable figures from the Algarve and the automotive industry, such as **Rogério Bacalhau**, the Mayor of Faro, and **Pedro Lazarino**, the country manager for Stellantis in Portugal. 

The Secretary of State for Tourism, **Pedro Machado**, sent a congratulatory video message as he could not attend the event.

![Motorpor's New Facility](https://www.razaoautomovel.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Novas-instalacoes-Motorpor-Faro-2.webp)
*© Motorpor - The Motorpor Group currently has 269 employees nationwide and closed 2024 with a turnover of nearly **€100 million**.* 

The opening of the new facility also marks the launch of the first **DS Automobiles** dealership in the Algarve, Stellantis' **premium** automotive brand. To commemorate the occasion, the new **DS Nº8** model was unveiled in Portugal.

### A Space for More Than Just Car Sales

Prior to the inauguration, Motorpor signed a protocol with **CEPRA** to establish a training center for automotive technical skills in the Algarve. Motorpor will provide the facilities and carry out necessary renovations. The first course, focused on body repair, has already commenced and will last for **seven months**.

Manuel Coutinho expressed confidence that this new training center will serve not only Motorpor but also the entire region, providing essential technical skills in a rapidly transforming sector.

O novo espaço da Motorpor irá comercializar sete marcas da Stellantis e vai criar 45 postos de trabalho no Algarve.

Motorpor Unveils €5 Million Investment in Algarve: A New Era for Car Sales and Job Creation

### Investigation into Accumulation of Roles in SNS

The **General Inspectorate of Health Activities (IGAS)** has announced an extensive investigation into the compliance of public function regulations regarding the accumulation of roles by António Gandra d'Almeida, the former executive director of the **National Health Service (SNS)**. This comes after allegations surfaced from a **SIC investigation** suggesting he earned incompatible income while serving in multiple roles simultaneously.

### Key Focus of the Investigation

The inspection will particularly scrutinize the period when Gandra d'Almeida held a leadership position at the **National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM)** from **November 2021 to January 2024**. Additionally, it will cover his tenure as the executive director of SNS, which spanned from **June 2024 until recently**. During this time, he allegedly continued performing surgeries at **Hospital de Gaia** while serving in his official capacity.

### Allegations and Defense

Despite claims that he worked over **200 hours** at **Hospital de Abrantes** in 2022 and operated emergency medical vehicles, Gandra d'Almeida insists he did not combine these services with his leadership role at INEM. He maintains that his contracts with multiple hospitals were lawful, stating, “**IGAS will do its job and we will see about the legality**.”

### Legal Framework

According to the **statute governing executive personnel** in public administration, roles must be held exclusively, requiring resignation from any other professional activities. Reports indicate that Gandra d'Almeida earned over **€200,000** during a two-year period for his work in Algarve hospitals, despite only receiving INEM's permission to operate without salary.

### Business Interests

Gandra d'Almeida established contracts with various hospitals through two companies, **Raiz Binária** and **Tarefas Métricas**, transferring ownership of these businesses to his minor children prior to his appointment as executive director of SNS.  

This investigation raises significant questions about the integrity of leadership within Portugal's healthcare system and adherence to public service regulations.

Além da acumulação de cargos pelo ex-director executivo, a IGAS vai investigar cumprimento de normas que regulam a acumulação de funções por parte dos dirigentes dos diversos organismos do SNS.

Investigation Launched into SNS Executive's Accumulation of Roles: What You Need to Know

### 314 Valid Signatures for Extraordinary Congress
After receiving the minutes from the PSD-Madeira, **Manuel António Correia** asserts that the request for an **Extraordinary Congress** was supported by **314 signatures from members in good standing**—a number exceeding the **minimum requirement of 300**.

### Allegations of Administrative Injustice
In a statement released this Monday, Correia highlighted that **71 of these signatures were invalidated by party organs**, citing administrative issues and a lack of sufficient identification to verify the signatures. He criticized this action as a **violation of the law**.

### Lack of Due Process
He pointed out that the party failed to conduct the necessary **prior hearing or requests for clarification** from the members affected, whose identities remain unknown. All submitted signatures included the **membership number, citizen card number, and full name** of the signatories.

### Political Participation Impeded
Correia emphasized that this situation showcases the **political participation obstruction** of the affected members, preventing them from exercising their rights as enshrined in both the law and the **Constitution of the Republic**.

### Criticism of the Party's Actions
He further accused the party of illegally removing signatures that did not match their archived records, some of which date back decades. This, he argued, reflects **incompetence and amateurism** within the party's secretariat, which cannot shift the blame onto others for its negligence.

### Conclusion: A Palace Coup?
The former government official contended that these actions confirm the **palatial and illegal coup** aimed at silencing the voices of members whose ideas and decisions should be sovereign in a democratic party. In his remarks to the media, he quoted a revealing paragraph regarding the party's flawed approach: "Of the 562 forms submitted, after suppressing the aforementioned, **314 signatures remain**, 71 of which did not match the party's archived records alongside the member's registration."


Após receber as actas do PSD-Madeira, Manuel António Correia entende que o requerimento que solicita um Congresso Extraordinário foi acompanhado por "314 assinaturas de militantes com quotas em dia, número mais que suficiente para obrigar à realização desse congresso, que são no mínimo 300."

Extraordinary Congress Demand Gains Momentum with 314 Valid Signatures in Madeira's PSD

### A Tribute to Carlos Paredes

Carlos Paredes, often described as **"a man who embodies the very essence of the Portuguese soul"**, will be honored on the centenary of his birth on **February 16, 2025**. The Mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas, alongside the Minister of Culture, Dalila Rodrigues, emphasized Paredes' profound impact on Portuguese music, stating he transformed his body into an extension of the **Portuguese guitar**.

### Centenary Celebrations

The commemorative program, titled **"Variações para Carlos Paredes"**, was unveiled at the **Museu do Fado** and includes over **100 concerts**, documentaries, discussions, and workshops. Additionally, there will be a comprehensive **reissue of Paredes' complete discography**, featuring some unreleased tracks.

### Key Events

- **February 5, 2025**: Kick-off concert by the **Metropolitan Orchestra of Lisbon** at the **Teatro Municipal São Luiz**.
- **February 16, 2025**: A grand celebration at **Aula Magna, University of Lisbon**, featuring renowned artists like **Luísa Amaro** and **Carlos Alberto Moniz**.
- Nationwide concerts will extend Paredes’ legacy across Portugal, including performances in cities like **Braga** and **Coimbra**.

### International Presence

The celebrations will also reach beyond Portugal. The **trio Alvorada** will represent Portugal at the **World Expo in Osaka**, echoing a similar journey made by Paredes in 1970. Concerts and festivals will take place in **17 cities across 12 countries**, including **Shanghai**, **Athens**, and **Buenos Aires**, featuring artists like **Carminho** and **Kátia Guerreiro**.

### Heritage and Memory

In parallel, the **National Sound Archive** will launch a strategic initiative to safeguard Paredes' phonographic works, including creating a **discography** available to schools nationwide. Two exhibitions, **"Variações para Carlos Paredes"** and **"Asas sobre o Mundo"**, will also be part of the celebrations, alongside the release of two documentaries about his life and work.

O programa do centenário consiste em mais de uma centena de concertos, documentários, colóquios e workshops, assim como a (re)edição da obra fonográfica integral de Carlos Paredes.

Celebrating a Century of Carlos Paredes: A Musical Journey from Lisbon to Osaka in 2025

### Touché Amoré Returns to Portugal

This **Tuesday, January 21**, the Californian band **Touché Amoré** will perform a unique concert in Portugal, presenting their new album, *Spiral in a Straight Line*, at **LAV** in Lisbon. The evening will feature the opening act **Trauma Ray**.

![Touché Amoré](https://ruidosonoro.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Touche-Amore-750x400.jpg)

### About the New Album
*Spiral in a Straight Line* was released on **October 11** and showcases the band’s ongoing journey of innovation and reflection within the post-hardcore genre. The album, produced by **Ross Robinson**, includes collaborations with artists **Julien Baker** and **Lou Barlow**. This sixth studio album follows their previous release, *Lament* (2020), and continues to build on their legacy established by acclaimed works like *Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me* (2011) and *Is Survived By* (2013).

### Opening Act: Trauma Ray
The opening act for the evening, **Trauma Ray**, will present a less aggressive but equally emotional set, blending **shoegaze** and **doom** influences. They will also debut their new track, *Chameleon*.

### Ticket Information
Tickets for this exciting concert are still available for **€23** through [Ticketline](https://ticketline.sapo.pt/evento/touche-amore-87450) and other usual outlets.

### Watch the Visual Album
Check out the visual album for *Spiral in a Straight Line* below:

<iframe title="Touché Amoré - Nobody's (Spiral In A Straight Line Visual Album)" width="750" height="422" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9kJNSv8jU_w?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

O sexto álbum da banda californiana tem data única de apresentação no LAV com a primeira parte de Trauma Ray.

Touché Amoré Set to Rock Lisbon with Exclusive Album Launch of 'Spiral in a Straight Line'!

Lisbon reaffirms its status as a major hub for **urban art**, with **four murals nominated** for the prestigious **Street Art Cities 'Best Of 2024' awards**. This international competition celebrates the most inspiring urban artworks, featuring creations from four distinct artists in the Portuguese capital.

### The Quest for the Best Mural
For the **fourth consecutive year**, Street Art Cities is on the lookout for the **"Best Mural of 2024"**. Who will succeed the previous winners, including Diego As, Studio Giftig, and Sfhir? A total of **100 nominees** are competing across three categories. In addition to the renowned **"Best of 2024" award**, the platform has reinstated the **"Expert's Choice" award** and introduced a new **"Artist's Choice" award**.

### The Four Nominated Murals in Lisbon
#### **AFONSOUL's Mural**
Among the nominees is **AFONSOUL's mural**, created during the **“Cor de Chelas”** event. Titled *Inner Feeling*, this artwork pays tribute to the struggle for **freedom and equality for women**, reflecting the achievements and challenges still present in today's society.

#### **Sepher Awk's Mural**
Another highlight is the first large-scale mural by **Sepher Awk**, designed for the **Urban Art Gallery project**. This monumental piece, covering an entire building, blends the artist's personal growth with the social realities of the **Vale de Lisboa neighborhood**, portraying often-overlooked stories from the community.

#### **Ricardo Romero's Mural**
In Amadora, **Ricardo Romero's mural**, part of a special project in the **Zambujal neighborhood**, also appears on the nominee list. The mural's pattern reflects the local **cultural diversity**, symbolizing cooperation and inclusion that make Zambujal a beacon of unity and social development.

#### **Vhils and Bordalo II's Mural**
Lastly, the collaboration between **Vhils and Bordalo II**, also created for the **“Cor de Chelas”** event, has been nominated for the **"Expert's Choice" award**, standing out for its fusion of styles and the powerful message conveyed through the art.

“Initially, when I started sharing these breathtaking murals on our Instagram stories, it was just to showcase the beautiful artworks I found. I never imagined the overall impact on urban art. The annual 'Best of' awards have truly shown their value, opening doors for winners and nominees alike, and guiding artists onto new paths in their careers,” comments **Tim Marschang**, co-founder of the platform.

**Street Art Cities** is dedicated to promoting street art worldwide, honoring the creativity, skill, and cultural impact of artists. From breathtaking murals that redefine urban spaces to small-scale interventions that challenge conventional narratives, the awards highlight the diversity and vibrancy of urban art. **Voting** is open until **January 31, 2025**.

Lisboa reafirma o seu lugar como um dos grandes palcos da arte urbana mundial, com quatro murais nomeados para os prestigiados prémios Street Art Cities ‘Best Of 2024’. Este concurso internacional celebra as obras de arte urbana mais inspiradoras, e este an

Major Drug Bust: GNR Seizes Over 21,000 Hashish Doses at Algarve Beach

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Other Latest News

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa Congratulates Trump: A New Era for Transatlantic Relations

Motorpor Unveils €5 Million Investment in Algarve: A New Era for Car Sales and Job Creation

Investigation Launched into SNS Executive's Accumulation of Roles: What You Need to Know

Extraordinary Congress Demand Gains Momentum with 314 Valid Signatures in Madeira's PSD

Celebrating a Century of Carlos Paredes: A Musical Journey from Lisbon to Osaka in 2025

Touché Amoré Set to Rock Lisbon with Exclusive Album Launch of 'Spiral in a Straight Line'!

Lisbon's Urban Art Shines: Four Murals Nominated Among the World's Best for 2024

Other Latest News

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa Congratulates Trump: A New Era for Transatlantic Relations

Motorpor Unveils €5 Million Investment in Algarve: A New Era for Car Sales and Job Creation

Investigation Launched into SNS Executive's Accumulation of Roles: What You Need to Know

Extraordinary Congress Demand Gains Momentum with 314 Valid Signatures in Madeira's PSD

Celebrating a Century of Carlos Paredes: A Musical Journey from Lisbon to Osaka in 2025

Touché Amoré Set to Rock Lisbon with Exclusive Album Launch of 'Spiral in a Straight Line'!

Lisbon's Urban Art Shines: Four Murals Nominated Among the World's Best for 2024