# New Year's Celebration in Portugal

The night of the **New Year's Eve** was filled with festivities from **north to south** of the country and its islands. The skies were illuminated by **long sessions of fireworks**, marking the arrival of **2025**.

## Highlights from Lisbon
![New Year's in Lisbon](https://img.iol.pt/image/id/67750488d34e94b829093497/800)
![New Year's in Lisbon](https://img.iol.pt/image/id/6775048bd34e94b829093499/800)
![New Year's in Lisbon](https://img.iol.pt/image/id/6775048ad34ea1acf2726314/800)
![New Year's in Lisbon](https://img.iol.pt/image/id/677503fdd34ea1acf2726310/800)
![New Year's in Lisbon](https://img.iol.pt/image/id/67750400d34e94b829093495/800)
![New Year's in Lisbon](https://img.iol.pt/image/id/67750402d34ea1acf2726312/800)

## Celebrations in Madeira
![New Year's in Funchal, Madeira](https://img.iol.pt/image/id/6774fb37d34ea1acf27262fa/800)
![New Year's in Funchal, Madeira](https://img.iol.pt/image/id/6774fb36d34e94b829093481/800)
![New Year's in Funchal, Madeira](https://img.iol.pt/image/id/6774fb35d34ea1acf27262f8/800)
![New Year's in Funchal, Madeira](https://img.iol.pt/image/id/6774fb34d34e94b82909347f/800)

The vibrant celebrations across **Lisbon** and **Madeira** showcased the spirit of joy and unity as the country moved into a new year.


A noite da passagem de ano foi de festa de norte a sul do país e ilhas. Os céus iluminaram-se de longas sessões de fogo de artifício para receber 2025.

Portugal Welcomes 2025 with Spectacular Fireworks Across the Nation!

### Ria Formosa: A Precious Jewel

There’s no doubt that the **Ria Formosa** is a "**jewel**" of Portugal, renowned for its **natural, cultural, economic, and touristic value**. In a high-traffic area, the best approach is to **prevent** and **advise**, which is the strategy adopted by **Turismo do Algarve** in their newly launched campaign: **"Ria Mais que Formosa - Admira e Preserva"**.

This campaign, which will be promoted extensively in **April and May**, targets not only visitors but also local residents and tourism agents. The goal is to raise awareness about the **preservation and enhancement** of the natural and cultural resources of the **Ria Formosa Natural Park**.

In a statement, it was emphasized that there is a need to **reinforce** the perception of the Ria as a **natural and cultural heritage** that should be enjoyed **consciously**.

### Campaign Details

Integrated into the **Co-management Plan** of the **Ria Formosa Natural Park (PNRF)** and funded by the **Environmental Fund**, the campaign is designed with a **strong and emotional visual approach** featuring three protagonists: the **Fisherman**, the **Shellfish Gatherer**, and the **Nature Guide**. These characters symbolize the link between **community, tradition, and sustainability**, as noted by **André Gomes**, President of **Turismo do Algarve**. The campaign aims to highlight **responsible behaviors** that contribute to the **protection** of the **ecosystem** and the cultural identity of Ria Formosa.

### Promotion Channels

The campaign will reach audiences through **outdoors**, **buses**, and **digital platforms** (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Google, and TikTok), as well as through direct contact points with visitors, including the **tourist information network** of **Turismo do Algarve**. Online, visitors will find **recommendations**, a subtitled video in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, and eco-friendly brochures made from **seed paper**.

The direct message is **clear**: "**Ria Formosa is a natural jewel that must be protected by everyone**."  

![Ria Formosa](https://108.181.33.135/embed/AWYf_g0krLw?si=G5isl_-1hAO_u2tp&enablejsapi=1&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.publico.pt)

A região lançou a campanha “Ria Mais que Formosa - Admira e Preserva”. O apelo aos visitantes: desfrutem deste “património natural e cultural” de “forma consciente”.

Discover the Hidden Gem of Ria Formosa: A Call to Protect Algarve's Natural Treasure

### Police Raids in Cascais and Lisbon

The **Judiciary Police (PJ)** conducted raids in **Lisbon** and **Cascais** on Wednesday due to suspicions of corruption related to the sale of municipal land designated for a **luxury hotel** and approximately **120 luxury apartments**. 

### Details of the Investigation

In a statement, the PJ confirmed that **eight search warrants** were executed, including one residential and seven non-residential. The investigation focuses on potential crimes such as **prevarication**, **economic participation in a business**, and **violations of urban planning regulations** by officials.

### Strong Suspicions of Favoritism

There are **strong suspicions** of favoritism toward a real estate company in the sale process of the municipal land intended for the hotel development. Furthermore, the **licensing process** for this construction is also under investigation by the **National Unit for Combating Corruption**.

Em causa estão factos susceptíveis de enquadrar a prática dos crimes de prevaricação, participação económica em negócio e violação de regras urbanísticas por funcionário.

Luxury Hotel Corruption Scandal: Police Raids in Cascais and Lisbon

## José Luís Carneiro Leads PS in Braga Again

**José Luís Carneiro**, former candidate for the leadership of the Socialist Party (PS), is set to return as the **head of the PS list** for the **Braga electoral district** in the upcoming early legislative elections. This announcement was made official by a party source on Wednesday, confirming that Carneiro had previously led this list in last year's elections.

In 2023, Carneiro lost the internal contest against **Pedro Nuno Santos** for the PS leadership but has now been selected by Santos as the number one candidate for Braga after the initial list was rejected. The **PS/Braga political commission** voted against the candidate list, with **38 votes against** and **31 in favor**, leaving the first two positions to be determined by the PS Secretary-General, **Pedro Nuno Santos**.

The rejected list included current deputy **Pedro Sousa** in third place, followed by deputy **Irene Costa**, Guimarães councilor **Paulo Silva**, and municipal deputy from Famalicão **Jorge Costa**. During this meeting, a unanimous recommendation was made for former MEP **Isabel Estrada Carvalhais** to be nominated as the head of the list for this district.

In the last legislative elections in 2024, the Braga list was led by José Luís Carneiro, who opposed the current PS leader during the leadership elections, followed by **Palmira Maciel**, who does not appear on the rejected list.

Tonight, the National Political Commission of the PS will meet to approve the candidate lists for all electoral circles at the PS headquarters in Lisbon. According to PS statutes, the Secretary-General, Pedro Nuno Santos, is responsible for appointing one-third of the total seats, while the remaining two-thirds fall under the jurisdiction of the federal political commissions of each electoral circle.

O deputado e ex-ministro José Luís Carneiro já tinha encabeçado esta lista nas eleições legislativas do ano passado.

José Luís Carneiro Returns as PS Candidate for Braga: What This Means for Upcoming Elections

## Prime Minister's Visit to Bolhão Market

Luís Montenegro brought the **Government** to the **Bolhão Market** in Porto for a **Council of Ministers** meeting, reflecting on a year of governance. In a pre-election atmosphere, the Prime Minister aimed to present a **positive assessment** of his administration.

### Clarification on Mobilization Message

Addressing a message circulating among **PSD** members urging mobilization for the event, Montenegro stated he was unaware of such efforts, asserting, **“I don’t know what you are referring to.”** He acknowledged that while there might be political work from structures, he had not initiated any actions himself.

### Government Achievements

Montenegro highlighted that in **one-fifth** of this legislative term, the Government has implemented **one-third of the planned measures**. He declared, **“The country today has financial and economic stability and has experienced political stability.”** 

He characterized the Government's performance as one of **concerted efforts**, stating, **“We had a Government of concertation that often aligned with society on action plans and understandings.”** He emphasized that many initiatives from the Government's program have been successfully executed, focusing on **action, decision, execution, and responsibility**. 

### Economic Success

Montenegro noted, **“This has been a year where we exceeded all expectations economically and financially.”** When asked why Porto was chosen for this meeting, he explained that the Government has been meeting in various districts, aiming to **decentralize** their meetings and important events.

### Relationship with Presidency

On the relationship with the **Presidency**, he described it as **extraordinary** and assured it would continue, stating, **“We are all committed to providing the responses that the Portuguese expect.”**

Luís Montenegro levou esta quarta-feira o Governo até ao Mercado do Bolhão, no Porto, para um Conselho de Ministros de balanço de um ano de governação. Em ambiente de pré-campanha, o primeiro-ministro quis tecer um balanço positivo. Quanto a uma mensagem que circulou entre militantes do PSD, a apelar à mobilização para o evento, o primeiro-ministro garantiu não saber de nada.


Montenegro Defends Government Meeting at Bolhão Amidst Election Speculations

# Lisbon Metro Service Restored

The **Lisbon Metro** service has returned to normal across all lines following disruptions caused by a **worker assembly** aimed at discussing safety improvements. The service was interrupted from **10:30 AM to 1:13 PM** due to the meeting held at **Alvalade station**.

## Worker Meeting Details

On Wednesday, workers from the Lisbon Metro gathered for a plenary session starting at **11:00 AM**. According to a statement from the **Federation of Transport and Communications Workers' Unions (FECTRANS)**, the assembly focused on analyzing safety developments since the **derailment incident** that occurred on **May 24 of the previous year**.

## Previous Incident

The derailment last year at Alvalade station required the evacuation of approximately **500 passengers** from the platform, with two individuals needing assistance due to anxiety attacks. Following the incident, two employees faced disciplinary action, despite the inquiry committee identifying unresolved safety issues.

For more updates, check the official **Metro de Lisboa** status on social media.

Circulação no Metro de Lisboa esteve com perturbações devido a um plenário de trabalhadores que tem como objetivo analisar a evolução na segurança após descarrilamento na estação de Alvalade em 2024.

Lisbon Metro Service Restored After Worker Safety Meeting

### Major Funding for Digi Romania

**Digi Romania** has successfully secured two **export credit notes** totaling **€54.76 million** aimed at enhancing its **network infrastructure** in both **Romania and Portugal**. This significant funding is part of a broader strategy to improve telecommunications services in these countries.

### Loan Details

According to a recent announcement to investors from **Digi Communications**, the loans are set to commence on **April 30 and June 30, 2025**, with a maturity period of **four years**. This financial boost is expected to facilitate the expansion efforts of Digi's operations.

### Additional Financing in Spain

In addition to the funds for Romania and Portugal, **Digi Spain Telecom, SLU** has entered into a **€275 million credit facility agreement** with a consortium of banks led by **Banco Santander**, **Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria**, and **ING Bank**. This five-year loan, finalized on **March 28**, will be used to refinance existing debt and support capital expenditures in **Spain**.

### Digi's Operations

Digi operates telecommunication services across several countries, including **Romania, Spain, Italy, Portugal**, and **Belgium**, positioning itself as a competitive player in the European market.

Digi Romania has secured two export credit notes worth a total of €54.76 million as part of plans to expand its network infrastructure in Romania and Portugal. According to a note to investors issued by parent Digi Communications, the loans, which have a four-year maturity, will commence on April 30 and June 30, 2025, respectively.…

Digi Communications Secures €54.76 Million for Network Expansion in Romania and Portugal

### The 2025 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship Kicks Off

The **2025 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship** is set to begin this weekend in **Fafe, Portugal**, from **April 4-6**, marking the first of seven thrilling rounds this season.

With the addition of **Triumph** and **Kawasaki**, the championship features **11 manufacturers** and **136 riders** competing in the opening round.

### Excitement Builds in Fafe

The anticipation is palpable as teams set up and riders walk the tests in the scenic northern Portuguese city. **Triumph Motorcycles** will unveil their new **TF 250-E** and **TF 450-E** enduro motorcycles on Friday, with **Jonny Walker** and **Ivan Cervantes** showcasing their skills ahead of the **Akrapovic Super Test**, the season's first timed special.

![EnduroGP](https://enduro21.com/images/2025/april/endurogp-rnd-1-portugal/preview/nathan_watson_endurogp-2024-rnd1_16553.jpg)

### Challenging Terrain Awaits

Fafe is renowned for its rugged landscape, which presents a true test for the riders. The competition will feature a **56-kilometre course** over two days, with three laps for **EnduroGP, Junior, and Youth categories**, while **Women, Junior Women, and Open** will race two laps. Each lap includes three special tests: **ACERBIS Cross Test**, **GMOTO Enduro Test**, and the **POLISPORT Extreme Test**.

### Title Defense by Garcia

**Josep Garcia**, the reigning champion from **Red Bull KTM Factory Racing**, is back in action after recovering from a collarbone injury. He will face challenges from **Steve Holcombe** of **Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team**, who aims to capitalize on any weaknesses.

![Steve Holcombe](https://enduro21.com/images/2025/april/endurogp-rnd-1-portugal/preview/steve-holcombe_honda-redmoto-2025_02295.jpg)

### Notable Changes and New Faces

**Andrea Verona** from **GASGAS Factory Racing** will compete on a **GASGAS EC 450F**, while **Brad Freeman** from **Beta Factory Enduro Team** returns from injury. **Zach Pichon**, now with **TM Moto Boano Factory Enduro Team**, aims to become a title contender after a successful transfer.

### Women's Championship Changes

The **Expotrade FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship** will see a new champion crowned this year as **Mireia Badia**, the 2024 winner, retires. **Rachel Gutish**, the 2024 vice-champion, leads the competitive field.

### New Junior Class Introduced

The **Expotrade FIM Junior Women’s Enduro World Cup** debuts this year, providing a platform for under-23 riders to compete at a world championship level.

### Fierce Competition in Junior and Youth Classes

The **FIM Junior Enduro World Championship** and the **Youth class** promise intense competition with various talented riders vying for the top spots.

The opening round of the **2025 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship** takes place in Fafe, Portugal, from **April 4-6**, starting with the **AKRAPOVIC Super Test**.

### Championship Schedule
- **Round 1**: GP of Portugal - Fafe - April 4-6
- **Round 2**: GP of Spain - Oliana - May 2-4
- **Round 3**: GP of Sweden - Skövde - May 23-25
- **Round 4**: GP of Wales - Rhayader - August 1-3
- **Round 5**: GP of France - Réquista - September 12-14
- **Round 6**: GP of Italy - Darfo Boario Terme - September 26-28
- **Round 7**: GP of Germany - Zschopau - October 17-19

### Women’s Championship Schedule
- **Round 1**: GP of Portugal - Fafe - April 4-6
- **Round 2**: GP of Wales - Rhayader - August 1-3
- **Round 3**: GP of France - Réquista - September 12-14
- **Round 4**: GP of Germany - Zschopau - October 17-19

Photo Credit: Future7Media + TM Boano Racing + Kawasaki

The 2025 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship kicks off this weekend with round one in Fafe, Portugal, from April 4-6, the first of seven rounds on this year’s calendar.

Portugal Welcomes 2025 with Spectacular Fireworks Across the Nation!

Summary:

New Year's Celebration in Portugal

Highlights from Lisbon

Celebrations in Madeira

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