# 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!

### Montenegro Responds to Allegations

On April 1st, Luís Montenegro addressed reports suggesting that while serving as a lawyer for **SP&M**, he had benefited a company involved in the construction of his house in Espinho. He characterized these claims as a **"flagrant and inconceivable campaign of misinformation and manipulation of facts"**.

### The Legal Opinion in Question

The controversy revolves around a **legal opinion** requested by the **Espinho City Council** from SP&M in 2020, which reportedly favored the construction company **Alexandre Barbosa Borges (ABB)**. According to **Expresso** on March 28, it emerged that ABB might have supplied concrete for the Prime Minister's residence. The following day, **Correio da Manhã** reported on the matter, further fueling the allegations.

### Clarification from Montenegro's Office

In a statement released by his office, Montenegro clarified that the legal information produced by SP&M was simply a **"simple legal question between two companies providing services to the City Council"**, specifically between a public works contractor and a works supervision company. 

He emphasized that any attempt to link this legal act with a concrete supply ordered and paid for three years earlier by a different contractor was **"more than abusive"**. 

### Audit by the Court of Auditors

Montenegro also highlighted that the situation regarding additional works and the decisions made by the City Council were subject to an audit by the **Court of Auditors**, which found **no evidence of any infractions**. The Court audited the procedures and subsequently archived the case.

### Ongoing Criminal Investigation

According to **Expresso**, there is an ongoing criminal investigation by the **Department of Investigation and Criminal Action** in Porto, targeting ABB and the renovation of the railway channel in Espinho — the largest public work contracted by the municipality. SP&M is involved in the case due to its legal services to the **Espinho City Council**, which includes opinions on disputes between ABB and the works supervision company.

Em causa está um parecer solicitado pela Câmara de Espinho à SP&M em 2020, que terá sido favorável à Alexandre Barbosa Borges, empresa envolvida na construção da casa de Montenegro em Espinho.

Montenegro Denies Favoring Company While at SP&M Amidst Claims of Misinformation

### Atmospheric Instability Set to Last Until Saturday

After a few days of warmth, **Portugal** is now bracing for a period of atmospheric instability. **Nuria**, the first storm of April, is expected to return **heavy rain and strong winds**, with effects anticipated until Saturday, April 5.

This marks the **14th storm** of the year, named Nuria by the Spanish Meteorological Institute, **AEMET**. The storm is expected to position itself west of the Iberian Peninsula by the end of Thursday, moving slowly northward, with impacts already felt in Portugal.

The first front arrived on Tuesday afternoon, bringing light rain and cloud cover across the country, particularly in the south. However, the true impact of the storm will be felt starting Wednesday.

> 🌀 AEMET names the storm Nuria.  
> 🌬️ On Thursday, it will cause strong gusts of wind and intense rainfall in the Canary Islands.  
> 👉 It will affect the Peninsula starting Thursday night, especially the western region, with extremely strong winds and heavy rainfall. [pic.twitter.com/I5ifqhy1i1](https://208.87.240.251/I5ifqhy1i1?__cpo=aHR0cHM6Ly90LmNv)

According to climatologist **Mário Marques**, the storm will cause instability in the country for about three to four days. While not overly significant, there may be **strong showers and thunderstorms**, particularly on the 2nd and 3rd in the south, and on the 4th and 5th in the north. 

Thursday is expected to be the peak day of the storm, with heavy rain and wind sweeping from south to north. Thunderstorms are likely, especially in the afternoon, along with snowfall in the higher elevations of the **Serra da Estrela** and potential flooding.

Additionally, Nuria is associated with a **cold front**, meaning temperatures will drop to "normal values," as last week saw unusually high temperatures for April.

Currently, **yellow warnings** have been issued for the **Azores** and **Madeira**, with further alerts expected from the **IPMA** for the mainland.

The storm is anticipated to calm down by Saturday afternoon, still under cloudy skies with some drizzle, although temperatures are expected to rise.

The storm will extend across the **Iberian Peninsula**, impacting Spain starting Wednesday, with forecasts of strong winds and heavy rainfall.

> Change in weather starting tomorrow‼️  
> A new **#borrasca** will bring widespread and intense **#rain** on Wednesday (especially in the afternoon), Thursday (mainly in the southwest), and Friday.  
> As the storm passes, temperatures will drop. [pic.twitter.com/SFdHohMutP](https://208.87.240.251/SFdHohMutP?__cpo=aHR0cHM6Ly90LmNv)

For the rest of the month, a "**great atmospheric variability**" is expected: after Nuria passes, a week of calm with "spring openings" will follow, but wet weather is set to return for Easter, living up to the saying "April showers bring May flowers."

> "Nuria will be the start of a train of storms with associated fronts," concludes the climatologist.

Instabilidade atmosférica mantém-se até sábado por todo o país. Climatologistas antecipam a ocorrência de trovoadas, queda de neve e algumas cheias

Brace Yourself: Storm Nuria Brings Heavy Rain and Snow to Portugal

## What Drives a Young Person to Confess a Crime on Social Media?

In a disturbing incident in Loures, a **rape suspect** has claimed that there were **more individuals** involved in the crime, in addition to the three detained suspects. **Clinical psychologist** João Faria offers insights into the psychology behind such confessions, drawing parallels with similar cases, like that of Tiago Grila, who initially confessed to hitting someone with his car but later retracted his statement.

### The Role of Social Media in Confessions

Faria explains that the **“online disinhibition effect”** can play a significant role in why individuals share details of their crimes online. The **seemingly harmless questions** from friends can prompt shocking admissions, as seen in the Loures case. This phenomenon can lead to a **distortion in perception** of right and wrong, especially as social media can amplify certain behaviors without backlash.

### The Psychological Impact

The psychologist notes that there is a **complicity with the behavior** exhibited in these confessions. Those who witness such admissions may also contribute to a culture that normalizes violence and aggression, further reinforcing these harmful actions through **positive feedback** from peers. Faria asserts that this **normalization** is alarming and suggests a collective **sense of impunity** regarding what is shared online.

### Combating Normalization of Violence

To address the troubling trend of **aggressive behavior** being trivialized, Faria emphasizes the need for the involvement of **educators, families, and schools**. They play a crucial role in countering the normalization of such conduct and fostering a more appropriate social adjustment among youth. 

This alarming trend calls for a critical examination of how young people engage with social media and the consequences of their online actions.

Suspeito de crime de violação diz que houve mais pessoas envolvidas, além dos três suspeitos detidos. Psicólogo explica o que leva alguém a confessar/partilhar um crime nas redes sociais.

Shocking Confession: Young Suspect in Loures Rape Case Admits to Involvement of Others

### Court's Clarification on Detention Measures

The **Comarca of Loures** issued a statement clarifying the detention measures applied to three young men suspected of **raping a girl** in Loures in February and subsequently sharing a video of the incident on social media. According to the court, these measures were "**proportional and appropriate**" to the precautionary purposes intended to ensure safety.

The measures include periodic court appearances, and a prohibition on contacting the victim or approaching her within **500 meters** of her home or school.

### Public Outcry

This clarification comes after an **open letter** circulated on March 31, titled "**Sexual Violence and Impunity: The Loures Crime**," demanding that the suspects be suspended from social media and criticizing the judicial decision to release them. Over **70 organizations** and nearly **3,000 individuals** have signed this letter, expressing **indignation and alarm** over the perceived message of impunity.

### Legal Context

The court emphasized that the initial judicial interrogation of a detained suspect is not a trial but merely a procedure to apply precautionary measures to mitigate risks such as flight or interference with the investigation. It noted that the case is under **judicial secrecy**, and judges operate independently and impartially.

### Systemic Issues Highlighted

The open letter highlights a systemic issue regarding inadequate precautionary measures for preventing crimes against women and girls. Maria João Faustino, a representative of the **Portuguese Platform for Women's Rights**, stated that this case will be a focal point in the upcoming electoral campaign, advocating for legal reforms to ensure justice and prevention of such crimes.

The suspects, described as **YouTubers**, allegedly assaulted the victim after she arranged to meet one of them. A video of the assault was shared online, viewed by thousands without any reports being made. The letter has garnered support from various feminist groups and organizations advocating against violence.

Comarca de Lisboa Norte diz que as medidas de coacção aplicadas pelo juiz aos suspeitos de violação em Loures foram “proporcionais” e as que foram pedidas pelo Ministério Público.

Court Justifies Detention Measures for Young Rape Suspects in Loures: A Controversial Decision

## New Labor Migration Protocol in Portugal  
A new **labor migration protocol** has been established to streamline the hiring of foreign workers in Portugal. This agreement, signed after four months of negotiations, involves the government, employer confederations, and various stakeholders.  
  
### Quick Visa Processing  
The protocol mandates that **visas must be granted within 20 days** from the date of the applicant's visit to the consulate, provided that all **legal requirements** are met, including the existence of a **work contract**, health insurance, and travel insurance.  
  
### Economic Development  
Luís Montenegro emphasized that the goal is to create **investment conditions** and make Portugal more attractive for companies, both existing and new. The document highlights that **labor immigration is crucial for Portugal's economic growth**, noting that immigrants represent a significant part of the workforce in key sectors such as **agriculture, fishing, construction, tourism, services, and industry**.  
  
### Addressing Labor Market Gaps  
Immigrants help to fill **gaps in the labor market**, ensuring the continuation of various economic activities. The protocol outlines that **companies involved** must ensure valid employment contracts, provide adequate housing, and facilitate professional training and Portuguese language learning.  
  
### Implementation Timeline  
This protocol will come into effect on the date of its signing, and applications may start from **April 15, 2025**. It has been signed by employer confederations, business associations, and various governmental bodies, including the **Directorate General for Consular Affairs and Portuguese Communities** (DGACCP) and the **Institute for Employment and Professional Training** (IEFP).

Está assinado o protocolo de cooperação para a migração laboral regulada. Após quatro meses de negociações, o acordo foi assinado ao início da tarde desta terça-feira entre o Governo confederações patronais e representantes de várias entidades. 


Portugal's New Labor Migration Protocol: Fast-Tracked Visas in Just 20 Days!

### Weather Warning for Madeira and Porto Santo
The **Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA)** has issued a **yellow warning** for **high seas, precipitation, and strong winds** in Madeira and Porto Santo until **Thursday, April 3rd**.

### Details of the Weather Warning
- **Northern Coast**: The warning for high seas will be in effect from **9 AM tomorrow** until **3 PM Thursday**, with waves from the northwest reaching **4 to 4.5 meters**.
- **Heavy Rain**: Expect heavy rainfall between **midnight and 6 AM** on Thursday.
- **Strong Winds**: Winds from the **west** with gusts up to **80 km/h** will be under yellow alert from **midnight to 6 PM** on April 3rd, especially in the eastern and western extremes of Madeira Island.
- **Southern Coast**: The warning for high seas with southwest waves up to **4 meters** will be valid from **midnight to noon** on Thursday.
- **Mountain Regions**: Warnings for **heavy rain and strong winds** from the west with gusts up to **100 km/h** between **midnight and 6 PM** on April 3rd.
- **Porto Santo**: The island will also be under warnings for high seas, with northwest waves of **4 to 4.5 meters** from **9 AM Wednesday until 3 PM Thursday**, heavy rain from **midnight to 6 AM**, and winds from the west with gusts up to **80 km/h** from **midnight to 6 PM Thursday**.

O Instituto Português do Mar e Atmosfera (IPMA) colocou a Madeira e o Porto Santo sob aviso amarelo para agitação marítima, precipitação e vento até quinta-feira, dia 3 de Abril.&nbsp;

Severe Weather Alert: Heavy Rain, Wind, and High Seas Expected in Madeira

### New Direct Route from Algarve to Iceland

For the **first time ever**, the Algarve region will have **direct flights** to Iceland, with the inaugural **Faro-Reykjavik** route set to launch on **April 12**. The Icelandic airline **Play** is spearheading this initiative, aiming to attract Icelandic travelers to the sunny Algarve.

### Flight Details

From **April 12** to **October 29**, there will be **two weekly flights** operating on **Saturdays and Wednesdays**. According to Play's website, the **minimum fare** for a one-way ticket starts at **70 euros**, though prices can vary significantly depending on the season. For instance, a round trip in early August is currently priced around **280 euros**.

To celebrate this new season, Play has launched a **discount campaign**, offering **25% off** for bookings made by **April 3**, applicable to flights in May, September, and December (using the code **PLAY25**).

### Expanding Opportunities

Although the route is currently scheduled to operate only until the end of October, the **Tourism of Algarve** is optimistic about extending it year-round. They view this new connection as a chance to **strengthen ties** with a burgeoning tourist market and diversify the region's visitor demographics.

On **April 3**, an event will be held in Reykjavik to further promote the Algarve to **travel agents, tour operators, and journalists**, aiming to showcase the region's potential as a year-round destination that offers more than just sun and sea.

### Connecting to North America

Play is not just focusing on Iceland; it also positions Reykjavik as a **central hub** for transatlantic flights to the **USA and Canada**, including cities like **New York, Washington, and Toronto**. This could potentially increase tourist traffic from North America to the Algarve, as highlighted by André Gomes, president of the Tourism of Algarve.

With this new route, the Algarve is set to **attract more visitors** and enhance its global appeal as a top destination.

É uma novíssima rota para a região: Faro-Reiquejavique estreia a 12 de Abril. A companhia aérea Play lança campanha, Turismo do Algarve quer seduzir islandeses.

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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Other Latest News

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Severe Weather Alert: Heavy Rain, Wind, and High Seas Expected in Madeira

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