## Nationwide Strike Causes School Closures

The **strike of non-teaching staff** has led to the closure of **five schools** in the **Dona Mafalda Group** located in Gondomar, as well as **many others across the country**. This action was confirmed by the coordinator of the **Public and Social Workers Union of Northern Portugal**. 

The impact of this strike is significant, affecting countless students and parents nationwide. The union's actions highlight ongoing issues within the educational sector that demand attention and resolution. 

Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.

A greve dos trabalhadores não docentes obrigou ao fecho das cinco escolas do Agrupamento Dona Mafalda, em Gondomar, “e de muitas outras pelo país fora”, disse o coordenador do Sindicato dos Trabalhadores em Funções Públicas e Sociais do Norte.

Nationwide Strike Disrupts Schools Across Portugal

More than **a hundred people** marched this Saturday along the **Benformoso street** in Martim Moniz, Lisbon, honoring the values of April while showing solidarity with the **immigrant population** living in the area.

The civic action was organized in response to a **police operation** that took place on Thursday in Martim Moniz, which has drawn condemnation from various **political parties** and **human rights organizations**. 

Participants distributed **colorful cravos**, symbolizing their message to democracy, and included representatives from the **PS**, **BE**, **PCP**, and **Livre** parties, who elaborated on the flowers' significance. 

Local residents and merchants welcomed the gesture, emphasizing the **kindness** and **hospitality** of the Portuguese people towards immigrants, particularly those from the **Asian subcontinent**. 

The police operation led to the **detention of two individuals** and the seizure of nearly **4,000 euros** in cash, along with sticks, documents, a knife, a mobile phone, and about a **hundred counterfeit items**. 

The police's actions, which involved **cornering dozens of individuals** against the wall with their hands raised for searches, were criticized following images shared on social media, sparking accusations of **abuse of power**.

A ação cívica foi organizada em reação à operação policial realizada na quinta-feira no Martim Moniz, condenada por vários partidos políticos e organizações de defesa dos direitos humanos.

Solidarity Blooms: Cravos Distributed in Lisbon to Support Immigrants Amid Controversial Police Operation

### André Pestana's Bold Presidential Announcement

André Pestana, **national coordinator** of the **Union for All Education Professionals (Stop)**, has officially announced his intention to run for **President of Portugal** in January 2026. His campaign, titled **"It's Time to Open Your Eyes"**, aims to represent the interests of workers and fight against the **precarity** and **destruction of public services**.

During his announcement, which took place in a **train carriage transformed into a bar** in Oeiras, Pestana emphasized his stance as an **independent candidate** who refuses to align with traditional **left or right labels**. He expressed a commitment to **combatting social inequality**, the ongoing issues in public education, and the **long waiting lists** in public services.

Pestana's campaign is reportedly in response to a **challenge from 50 social activists**, although he did not specify their identities. He envisions a presidency that listens to the **voices of the voiceless** and represents the **common good**.

He stated, **"I will try to be your voice, a reference for all Portuguese workers who strive for dignity. There is enough money in Portugal for everyone to live with dignity, have access to decent housing and work."** Pestana is also focused on **climate change** and **poverty alleviation** as part of his platform.

Despite his independent status, he mentioned receiving **individual support** from various activists within the Stop union, though he clarifies that there is no formal backing from any party or union.

In a pointed critique of potential rival candidates, including Admiral Gouveia e Melo, Pestana declared his candidacy as a **necessary alternative**, stating, **"The majority of the Portuguese population does not want our children to die for the interests of others."**

André Pestana, 47, is a professor with a doctorate in biology and hails from Coimbra. He previously led the **Movement for Socialist Alternatives (MAS)** and founded the **Stop union** in 2018. 

Presidential candidates must submit their applications to the **Constitutional Court** at least 30 days before the election, gathering support from **7,500 to 15,000 voters** for validation.

Sob o mote “é hora de abrir a pestana”, o coordenador do Sindicato para Todos os Profissionais da Educação avança com uma candidatura a Belém, recusando rótulos de esquerda ou direita.

André Pestana Launches Independent Presidential Bid: A Voice for Workers Against Precarity

### Overview of the Strike
Lisbon's urban sanitation workers are set to **strike on December 26 and 27** following a protest against the city council's handling of their working conditions. **Carlos Moedas**, the Mayor of Lisbon, has warned that the strike will lead to a **chaotic situation** in the city, as residents produce **900 tons of waste daily**.

### Reasons Behind the Strike
The strike is organized by the **Union of Municipality Workers of Lisbon (STML)**, who argue that they have repeatedly raised issues regarding their working conditions without receiving adequate responses from the city administration. Key demands include:
- **Implementation of a June 2023 agreement** that promised improved working conditions.
- Recognition of their profession as one with **rapid wear and tear**.
- Increase in the **hazard pay** for their work.

### Details of the Strike
- **December 25**: Strike during **overtime hours only**.
- In 2025, workers plan to strike overnight from January 1 to January 2.
- Union representative **Luís Dias** emphasized that the timing of the strike aims to draw attention to the workers' visibility and demands.

### Negotiation Efforts
The STML and the city administration have met for negotiations, but no agreement has been reached. Moedas expressed frustration, stating that he has made efforts to negotiate and improve conditions but accused the union of being uncooperative.

### Political Motivations?
The Mayor has suggested that the timing of the strike may have political motivations, hinting at potential connections to the upcoming **2025 municipal elections**. Union leaders countered that the issues at hand are longstanding and not recent fabrications.

### City’s Response
In response to the impending strike, Moedas announced plans for a **crisis management team** and additional waste containers to help manage the waste during the strike period. The city has also requisitioned minimum services to ensure that two-thirds of the sanitation workers will still be operational during the strike.

### Opposition Reaction
Opposition parties have criticized Moedas for poor management of urban sanitation, with various leaders calling for a more credible commitment to addressing the workers' grievances. They argue that the responsibility lies squarely with the Mayor to resolve these ongoing issues.

### Future Outlook
Union leaders have warned that if issues remain unresolved, more strikes are likely in **2025**.

Os funcionários responsáveis por recolher o lixo que os lisboetas produzem vão parar. Porquê, quanto tempo e como está a Câmara de Moedas a tentar reduzir o impacto? Sete perguntas e respostas.

Lisbon's Waste Collection Workers Strike: What You Need to Know About the Holiday Disruption

### Accusations Against Opposition
The **Lisbon Mayor**, Carlos Moedas, has described the criticisms regarding the **PSP operation** in the Martim Moniz area as "unjust". He accuses the opposition of attempting to **"partidarize"** the issue. Moedas emphasizes that **residents feel unsafe** and advocates for **increased policing** in the city.

### Perception of Insecurity
Speaking to journalists at a Community Vida e Paz event, Moedas noted that there is a growing **perception of insecurity** in Lisbon, which he attributes to rising **violence**. He stated that the public is calling for more police presence, a sentiment he fully supports: **"We need more police in Lisbon."**

### Criticism of the Current Government
Moedas dismissed the recent criticisms of the controversial operation, suggesting they are not serious. He pointed out that similar operations took place under previous socialist prime ministers without any backlash. He accused the opposition of being **"populist"** and politicizing the work of law enforcement.

### Decline in Police Numbers
Reflecting on security forces in the capital, Moedas highlighted a significant decrease in police numbers from **8,000 in 2010 to 6,700 today**. He criticized both the previous and current governments for inadequate police reinforcements, claiming the city needs **200 new municipal agents** rather than the mere **25** provided.

### Personal Connection to the Community
Moedas defended his role as mayor, stating he maintains a close connection with the community. He expressed frustration at being unfairly criticized for not distancing himself from the PSP operation. He shared personal anecdotes about his immigrant background, insisting that attempts to label him with left or right ideologies are unfounded.

Autarca Lisboa garantiu que lisboetas se sentem inseguros e rejeitou críticas por não se distanciar da operação no Martim Moniz: "Já fui imigrante, sou casado com uma imigrante, não cola". 

Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas Defends Increased Police Presence Amid Opposition Criticism

### Strong Winds Affecting Madeira Airport

**Santa Cruz** is currently experiencing strong winds that are impacting **Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport** in Madeira, as anticipated. 

Several planes are circling, waiting for an opportunity to land, and a flight from **Prague** has already been diverted to **Porto Santo Airport**. 

As reported by **DIÁRIO**, Madeira Airports have advised passengers to **confirm their flights** before heading to the airport, especially this **Saturday and Sunday**. 

The winds have reached speeds of **72 km/h** as of 11 AM at the Madeira Airport. 

### Upcoming Wind Conditions

The winds are expected to blow with considerable intensity from late tomorrow through next Monday in Madeira, prompting further advisories for travelers to check their flight status before arriving at the airport. 

![Image of Aircraft](https://static-storage.dnoticias.pt/www-assets.dnoticias.pt/images/configuration/LG/avi%C3%B5essss_mYrf8Xb.JPEG)

*Photo by Flyghtradar*

O vento forte que se faz sentir em Santa Cruz já está, como
previsto, a condicionar o Aeroporto Internacional da Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo.

Strong Winds Disrupt Flights at Madeira Airport: What You Need to Know

### Tragic Incident in Belém

A **cyclist lost his life** this morning on Avenida da Índia, in **Belém, Lisbon**, after being struck by a vehicle whose driver fled the scene. According to sources from the **PSP (Public Security Police)**, the victim received assistance but was declared dead at the site of the accident.

> "Currently, efforts are being made to identify the vehicle and its driver, but so far, there has been no success," stated a PSP officer.

The accident occurred in the direction of **Alcântara-Algés**, near the **Cordoaria Nacional**. Details about the vehicle involved are scarce, but it is anticipated that it may have sustained some **front-end damage** due to the impact. Emergency services, including **PSP, INEM**, and the **Lisbon Fire Brigade**, were present at the scene.

![Ambulance at the scene](https://images.impresa.pt/sicnot/2023-11-12-ambulancia-112.jpg-98dd06eb-1/original)  
*Image Source: Canva*

O acidente ocorreu no sentido Alcântara-Algés, junto à Cordoaria Nacional e desconhece-se qualquer dado sobre a viatura.

Tragic Cycling Accident in Lisbon: Cyclist Killed After Hit-and-Run

### Political Tensions Rise in Madeira

The call for elections within the **PSD/Madeira** is currently contingent upon the party's internal bodies. Despite the refusal of **Miguel Albuquerque**, opposition parties are applying pressure for **early regional elections** to occur "as quickly as possible," which may hinder the voting process.

### Censure Motion and Calls for Internal Elections

The recent approval of a **censure motion** against the minority government of the PSD has prompted former Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources, **Manuel António Correia**, to advocate for internal elections, expressing his willingness to challenge **Miguel Albuquerque** for the leadership for the third time.

### Albuquerque's Stance

Miguel Albuquerque has repeatedly rejected the idea of an extraordinary congress or early elections, arguing that such moves would lead to a **"fratricidal war"** benefiting their opponents. He insists that the expectation of the people of Madeira is to have **political stability** through prompt elections.

### Urgency for New Elections

On Thursday, during discussions with the **Republican representative**, Albuquerque reiterated the need for early elections, emphasizing that a prolonged political hiatus is not in the public's interest. The urgency for elections, marking the **third set** within a year and a half, has been echoed by opposition parties such as **PS**, **Chega**, and **JPP**, all calling for elections to be held "as quickly as possible."

### Legislative Implications

The **CDS-PP** party has stated that elections should occur within a "reasonable timeframe" to allow parties to reassess their strategies, while **IL** has also expressed readiness for new elections. In light of the unanimous call for early elections, Ireneu Barreto, the Republican representative for Madeira, acknowledged his lack of success in finding a governmental solution and plans to meet with the President of the Republic, **Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa**, to discuss the situation, potentially proposing **March 9th** as the date for early elections.

### Legal Framework and Party Dynamics

According to Article 19 of the Electoral Law for the **Madeira Legislative Assembly**, the President must set the election date with a minimum of **55 days' notice** after dissolution. Should elections occur in mid-March, the timelines for **PSD/Madeira** internal elections would be tight. The party had recently faced elections after Miguel Albuquerque's resignation due to political instability linked to corruption investigations.

### Implications for Internal Party Elections

The PSD's internal election process allows for a congress to be called by **300 members**, though the decision rests with the **Regional Council**. The statutes require a congress to be announced **30 days in advance**, and the regional political commission is elected through a secret ballot by party members.

### Recent Congress and Leadership Challenges

In the last regional congress, held in April, Albuquerque was re-elected as leader. However, the dynamics within the party, particularly regarding the direct elections held in March, indicate ongoing tensions as Albuquerque faces competition from Correia, reminiscent of their previous contest in 2014. 

![Political Tension](https://ad.dnoticias.pt/rep/2024/FSA/mrec/03.jpg)

A convocação de eleições no PSD/Madeira está dependente dos órgãos do partido, mas além da recusa de Miguel Albuquerque, a pressão da oposição para a realização de regionais antecipadas "o mais rápido possível" poderá mesmo inviabilizar o sufrágio. É um assunto que é abordado na edição impressa do DIÁRIO deste sábado.

Nationwide Strike Disrupts Schools Across Portugal

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Nationwide Strike Causes School Closures

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