**Portugal's government** will not have to repay **€15.5 million** to **Solverde**, the operator of three Algarve casinos (Monte Gordo, Praia da Rocha, and Vilamoura). This decision comes after the **Supreme Administrative Court** annulled a previous ruling from an arbitration tribunal that had mandated the payment last July. This outcome marks a significant victory for the state in its ongoing financial dealings with the casino group.

Pagamento à Solverde, que detém concessão de três casinos do Algarve, tinha sido determinado por um tribunal arbitral. Supremo Administrativo veio agora anular a decisão.

Portugal's State Wins Legal Battle: No Need to Repay €15 Million to Algarve Casino Group

## Severe Weather Alert

The **Garoe depression** has brought **heavy rain** and **thunderstorms** to Portugal, resulting in multiple **weather alerts** in recent days. This Wednesday, expect **strong winds** and **rough seas** across the mainland. However, the weather is expected to improve shortly, before another depression hits on Saturday.

![Severe Weather in Portugal](https://images.impresa.pt/sicnot/2025-01-21-chuva-vento-meteorologia-.jpg-27fe9bf6/original)
*Image Source: Canva*

### Current Weather Conditions

The **Garoe depression** will cause **heavy rain** until Wednesday in mainland Portugal and the **Madeira archipelago**, according to the **Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA)**. The situation will worsen on the mainland with **strong winds** and **rough seas**. 

Fortunately, the worst seems to have passed for the **Madeira island**, which recorded **gusts up to 110 km/h** and **waves reaching 11 meters**. Rain is expected to continue for at least another day.

In mainland Portugal, rain will persist until Wednesday and may be accompanied by **thunderstorms or hail**. Wind gusts could reach **75 km/h**, and **wave heights** could reach **10 meters**.

### Weather Warnings

Almost all districts in mainland Portugal are under **yellow warning** until 6 PM Wednesday due to precipitation, with exceptions for **Guarda, Vila Real, and Bragança**. **Beja, Faro, Leiria, Lisbon,** and **Setúbal** will experience **orange alerts** in the morning due to **rough seas**.

The **Garoe depression**, named by IPMA, is associated with a **frontal system**.

### What’s Next?

While the weather may calm temporarily after Wednesday, a new depression is forecasted to impact mainland Portugal on Saturday. According to meteorologist **Patrícia Marques**, this new depression will move through the **northern Iberian Peninsula**, bringing rain starting on the 25th in the **Minho and Douro Litoral** regions, quickly spreading nationwide.

> “Expect **snowfall**, increased **rough seas**, and heightened **wind intensity**,” adds the meteorologist.

A depressão Garoe tem trazido a Portugal muita chuva e trovoada e, consequentemente, alertas meteorológicos nos últimos dias. Esta quarta-feira, será de chuva e vento fortes e agitação marítima no continente. Depois, o estado do tempo vai melhorar, mas no sábado chega uma nova depressão.

Brace for Extreme Weather: Heavy Rain, Strong Winds, and Rough Seas Expected in Portugal!

**Severe Weather Update**: The **Garoe depression** has brought significant rain and thunderstorms to Portugal, resulting in multiple weather alerts. This Wednesday, expect **heavy rain, strong winds**, and **rough seas** across the mainland. Although conditions will improve temporarily, another depression is forecasted to arrive on Saturday.  

![Weather Conditions](https://images.impresa.pt/sicnot/2025-01-21-chuva-vento-meteorologia-.jpg-27fe9bf6/original)  
*Image Source: Canva*  

According to the **Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA)**, the Garoe depression will continue to cause **heavy rainfall** until Wednesday, particularly affecting the **mainland and Madeira archipelago**. The weather is expected to deteriorate further with **strong winds** and **maritime agitation**.  

**Wind gusts** could reach **110 km/h**, with sea waves potentially hitting **11 meters** in height. Madeira has already reported **27 incidents**, primarily involving **fallen trees and landslides**.  

In mainland Portugal, rain will persist, possibly accompanied by **thunderstorms or hail**. Wind gusts may reach **75 km/h**, and sea conditions are expected to worsen, with waves reaching **10 meters**.  

Almost all districts in mainland Portugal are under a **yellow warning** due to expected rainfall, with the exception of **Guarda, Vila Real**, and **Bragança**. Areas like **Beja, Faro, Leiria, Lisbon**, and **Setúbal** will experience an **orange alert** in the morning due to maritime conditions.  

The IPMA has indicated that the Garoe depression is linked to an **associated frontal system**.  

### After Garoe... More Rain Ahead  
While the weather is expected to ease after Wednesday, **another depression** is set to hit the mainland on Saturday. IPMA meteorologist **Patrícia Marques** stated that this new depression will affect the **northern Iberian Peninsula**, with rain beginning in **Minho and Douro Litoral** on the 25th and quickly spreading across the country.  

> “Expect more **snowfall**, increased **maritime agitation**, and stronger winds,” the meteorologist added.

Brace for Impact: A New Storm Hits Portugal This Saturday After Heavy Rain and Winds

It’s not an exaggeration to say that the **best time to visit Portugal** is any time you can go! Known as the "**garden planted at the edge of the sea**", Portugal is filled with **beautiful sites**, from the vineyards of the **Douro Valley** to the sunflower fields of **Alentejo**. Day-to-day living in this stunning country is so appealing that many **expats are retiring in Portugal**. However, if you can't stay forever, a visit of any length is sure to be fabulous, especially when you indulge in **colorful heritage souvenirs** and delicious **tinned fish**.

## When is the best time to visit Portugal?
For mild weather and fewer crowds, **March** is the sweet spot for visiting Portugal. As spring arrives, you can enjoy the beauty of the country before the tourist influx. **February and early April** are also excellent months to explore. For beach lovers, the **Algarve** region is ideal between **July and October**, though prepare for larger crowds during this time. If you prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle, consider visiting in **winter**, even though the weather may be cooler and less predictable.

## When is the cheapest time to visit Portugal?
For budget travelers, the **winter months** from **November to March** offer the most affordable rates. Expect cooler and rainy weather, especially along the coast, but enjoy the low-season hotel prices during this period.

## When is peak season in Portugal?
The **peak tourist season** in Portugal runs from **May to September**, with July and August being particularly busy along the coast. If you're traveling during this time, consider staying in the **countryside** to avoid the crowds while still enjoying the vibrant cities during the day.

## First-time visitor recommendations
For first-timers, the ideal itinerary includes **Lisbon**, **Porto**, and the **Douro Valley**. If you want to escape the crowds, the **Alentejo region** is a hidden gem between Lisbon and the Algarve, featuring ancient villages and stunning landscapes.

## How many days to spend in Portugal?
For a comprehensive visit, plan to stay around **10 days** to explore Lisbon, Porto, and Douro Valley, allowing time to enjoy the amazing sights and culture. If time is short, a long weekend in Lisbon can provide a taste of the country's charm.

## Additional tips before visiting Portugal
Portugal is currently one of the most visited destinations in Europe, with popular sites often crowded. To experience a more authentic side of the country, consider exploring the outskirts of Lisbon and Porto, where fewer tourists venture. This will allow you to enjoy a more local experience while discovering hidden gems like the **Mafra National Palace**, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here's a hot tip for visiting Portugal in peak season: Try to stay outside the city center and enjoy the gorgeous countryside instead.

Unlocking Portugal: When to Visit for Perfect Weather and Fewer Tourists

### Minister's Assurance Against Urban Sprawl

The **Minister of Cohesion**, during a parliamentary session, emphasized that it will not be possible to construct homes "**in the middle of fields or forests**." This statement comes amid discussions about the potential **reclassification of rustic land to urban** status. The minister highlighted the **importance of consolidating urban areas** while ensuring that any development aligns with existing urban frameworks.

![Minister of Cohesion](https://asset.skoiy.com/jnrcnjwljorqgsbu/fuop0ifz3j1d.jpg?w=1852&q=80&)
*The new law requires ensuring the consolidation and coherence of urbanization with the existing urban area. Photo: Fernando Fontes / Archive*

O ministro Adjunto e da Coesão Territorial assegurou hoje, no parlamento, que não será possível construir “no meio dos campos ou da floresta”, perante a possibilidade de reclassificar solos rústicos em urbanos, e que se pretende consolidar áreas urbanas.

Portugal's Minister of Cohesion Stands Firm Against Building in Fields and Forests

**Portugal's Foreign Minister, Paulo Rangel**, addressed concerns regarding potential deportations of **Portuguese citizens** from the **United States** during a parliamentary hearing. He assured that any such actions would have no significant impact on Portugal, stating, *“We do not foresee a notable impact, but we are always prepared.”*

Rangel emphasized the government's commitment to closely coordinate with the **Azores regional government**, which is home to many Portuguese emigrants in the US. He noted that **deportations of Portuguese citizens** occur annually and are handled with care and attention by the Portuguese government. 

*“We are prepared for deportations,”* he confirmed, highlighting that recent announcements from President **Donald Trump** could potentially affect **3,600 Portuguese nationals**. Portugal ranks among the top three countries, alongside **China** and **Spain**, with a significant number of 'overstayers'—immigrants who overstayed their 90-day visa.

Before the hearing, Rangel reassured the press that the **Ministry of Foreign Affairs** is always ready to address any arising situations in accordance with **international law**. He maintained that no alarming situations have been identified but acknowledged the need for heightened vigilance and diplomacy.

In light of Trump's inauguration, Rangel reiterated the importance of maintaining strong relations with the **United States**, stating, *“We want to have, as we always have, the best relations with the United States and with President Trump’s new administration.”*

O ministro dos Negócios Estrangeiros afirmou hoje que eventuais deportações de portugueses em situação irregular nos Estados Unidos não terão "um impacto assinalável", adiantando que o Governo &...

Will Portugal Face Deportations from the US? Insights from Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel

### Portugal's Call for Dialogue

Portugal's **Finance Minister**, **Joaquim Miranda Sarmento**, emphasized the need for Europe to foster and reinforce dialogue with the new U.S. administration to avert an escalation of **tariffs** that could negatively impact consumers, particularly the **less affluent**. This statement was made during a press conference in **Brussels** on Tuesday.

### The Current Situation

With **President Donald Trump** now in office, he has yet to implement the extensive tariffs he had previously proposed. However, he indicated that tariffs could still be an option, particularly suggesting a **25% tariff** on imports from **Canada** and **Mexico** as early as **February 1**. Sarmento noted that during Trump's first term, Europe was not the primary focus of his tariff increases, which were mainly directed towards **Chinese goods**. He added that it is too early to determine the new administration's stance on Europe.

### Importance of Economic Ties

Sarmento remarked, "We will analyze the decisions of the U.S. administration and try to strengthen economic ties." He stressed the importance of a **constructive dialogue**, while also defending the interests of Europe and its member states. He pointed out that **protectionism** would ultimately harm consumers in regions implementing such tariffs.

### Trade Relations with the U.S.

The **United States** remains the primary market for Portuguese exports outside the **European Union**, with significant exports including **medicines**, **cork**, **clothing**, and **footwear**. In the first nine months of **2024**, Portuguese exports to the U.S. rose by **8.9%**, reaching **4.9 billion euros**. Additionally, a surge in American tourism has positively influenced the growth of Portugal's **service exports**.

Europe should establish and strengthen dialogue with the new U.S. administration to avoid an escalation of tariffs that would harm consumers, especially the least wealthy, Portugal's finance minister said on Tuesday.  President Donald Trump, who took office on Monday, did not immediately implement the wide range of tariffs he had promised, but said they were still an option and indicated that tariffs of 25% on Canada and Mexico could be imposed as early as Feb. 1.  Portuguese Finance Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmento said that Trump had not specifically targeted Europe in his first term, increasing tariffs on Chinese goods instead, and it was premature to say what his policy towards Europe would be now.

Portugal Urges Stronger EU-US Dialogue to Prevent Harmful Tariffs

**Miguel Arruda**, a deputy from the **Chega** party, is currently under investigation as the **PSP** (Public Security Police) conducts searches at his residences in **Lisbon** and **São Miguel**, Azores. This development has been reported by **Público** and confirmed by **SIC Notícias**.

### Details of the Investigation
The searches began around noon and are being carried out by the **Criminal Investigation Division** of the PSP. The investigation revolves around **suspicions of theft**, specifically concerning luggage at airports. Arruda is alleged to have stolen bags at both **Lisbon** and **Ponta Delgada** airports over several months.

### Official Confirmation
In a statement to SIC Notícias, the PSP confirmed they are executing "actions within the scope of an inquiry directed by the **Department of Investigation and Criminal Action** in Lisbon, investigating facts unrelated to the functions performed by the individual under investigation."

### Background on Miguel Arruda
Arruda frequently travels between the **Azores**, his electoral constituency and residence, and **Lisbon**, where he actively participates in the **Assembly of the Republic**. Notably, the PSP reported that the Chega deputy has not been arrested during the ongoing searches.

*Note: Article is under continuous update.*

<p><span>PSP está a fazer as buscas neste momento em Lisboa e São Miguel </span></p>

Portugal's State Wins Legal Battle: No Need to Repay €15 Million to Algarve Casino Group

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