**Lisbon's Metro** experienced significant delays on the **Green Line** due to an incident involving a passenger. The interruption lasted for approximately **30 minutes**, causing inconvenience to travelers during peak hours. Commuters were advised to seek alternative routes while the situation was being addressed. The authorities promptly responded to ensure the safety of all passengers involved.

A interrupção prolongou-se durante cerca de meia hora

Severe Disruption on Lisbon's Green Line Due to Passenger Incident

### RTP and EGEAC Strengthen Partnership
**EGEAC** and **RTP** have reinforced their collaboration, ensuring that the **Santo António Weddings** and the **Marchas Populares de Lisboa** will be broadcasted for the next three years. According to **Carlos Moedas**, this initiative is a testament to RTP's commitment to providing a "**public service**" that reflects the **soul of Lisbon**.

![RTP and EGEAC Partnership](https://olharesdelisboa.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/EGEAC-e-RTP-reforcam-parceria-e-assumem-transmissao-dos-Casamentos-de-Santo-Antonio-e-das-Marchas-Populares-de-Lisboa-696x464.jpg)

### Selection Process
Following a consultation with the three major open channel operators (RTP, SIC, and TVI), **RTP** was selected to host the broadcasts over **TVI**. This decision guarantees the transmission of major cultural events in Lisbon for the next three years.

The agreement was formalized in a ceremony held on **April 4** at the **Teatro Variedades**, attended by key figures including **Pedro Moreira**, president of EGEAC, and **Nicolau Santos**, president of RTP.

### Cultural Significance
Pedro Moreira expressed gratitude for Carlos Moedas' presence, highlighting the mayor's ongoing support for cultural initiatives. This partnership not only preserves **Lisbon's traditions** but also promotes innovation in cultural representation. The protocol will enable the recording and broadcasting of other cultural activities, including major concerts and public events.

### Investment in Culture
Carlos Moedas emphasized that this partnership represents an investment of **€1.5 million**, acknowledging the significance of the events as essential to Lisbon's identity. He praised RTP for its efforts in promoting these celebrations, reinforcing the city's cultural vibrancy.

### A Commitment to Public Service
Nicolau Santos described the retransmission of Lisbon's festivities as a genuine public service, linking the **Santo António Weddings** and the **Marchas** to the city's unique cultural fabric. He assured that the RTP would deliver these events with innovation and dedication, reaching audiences worldwide, especially the Portuguese diaspora.

### Conclusion
This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in Lisbon's cultural landscape, ensuring that its cherished traditions continue to thrive and be celebrated both locally and internationally.

EGEAC e RTP reforçam parceria e assumem transmissão dos Casamentos de Santo António e das Marchas Populares de Lisboa

RTP Secures Three-Year Deal to Broadcast Lisbon's Iconic Festas

As the **presidential elections** approach in nearly ten months, **Henrique Gouveia e Melo**, a retired admiral, emerges as the **preferred candidate** for nearly **four out of ten voters** (37%) according to a recent **Cesop poll** conducted for **PÚBLICO, RTP, and Antena 1**. This study highlights that **leftist candidates** currently hold almost **irrelevant support**.

### Second Choice: Luís Marques Mendes
In second place, with a significant gap, is **Luís Marques Mendes**, former president of PSD, favored by **19%** of respondents. Mendes has officially launched his candidacy and has been publicly challenging Gouveia e Melo, who, while not having formally declared his candidacy, has been active in the media with articles, conference appearances, and interviews.

### André Ventura's Uncertain Position
The third favorite, receiving **9%** of the votes, is **André Ventura**, president of Chega. He recently **canceled** his formal candidacy announcement and is focusing on legislative campaigns, deferring his presidential aspirations until after the May elections. Ventura has hinted at supporting Gouveia e Melo, although the latter has declined party endorsements.

### Leftist Candidates Struggling
The left-wing candidates, including **António José Seguro** and **António Vitorino**, are tied, each garnering **7%** support. Other leftist figures like **Catarina Martins** (4%) and **Mariana Leitão** (3%) are also trailing. **Paulo Raimundo**, the communist secretary-general, is at the bottom with just **2%**.

### Acceptance and Rejection Rates
Gouveia e Melo enjoys a **62% acceptance rate**, while **Paulo Raimundo** faces the highest rejection at **85%**. Other candidates like Ventura and Martins have rejection rates of **79%** and **77%** respectively. Interestingly, more than half of respondents reject the socialist candidates, with **64%** unwilling to vote for Vitorino and **57%** for Seguro.

### Analysis of Voter Preferences
The data reveals a curious phenomenon: while many voters express willingness to consider Seguro and Vitorino, very few identify them as their top choice. This disparity suggests a disconnect between acceptance and preference, possibly due to their candidacies being in limbo. As the election approaches, the dynamics may shift significantly, especially if any leftist candidate formally enters the race.

Almirante na reserva é quem reúne maior aceitação entre possíveis candidatos. Paulo Raimundo regista maior taxa de rejeição do que André Ventura. Socialistas parecem sofrer com demora na decisão.

Gouveia e Melo Leads in Presidential Race: Surprising Insights from Recent Polls

### Grande Colégio Universal Takes the Lead in School Rankings

The **Grande Colégio Universal**, a prestigious private institution in Porto with over a century of history, has **secured the top position** in the **JN School Rankings**. This accolade reflects the school's commitment to excellence in education.

### A Community Built on Trust and Proximity

Students and teachers at Grande Colégio Universal emphasize the **close-knit relationships** within the school community as the driving force behind their educational success. The sense of **trust** and collaboration fosters an environment where both students and educators thrive.

This unique approach to education not only enhances academic performance but also cultivates a strong sense of belonging among students, setting a benchmark for other educational institutions in Portugal. 

The **ranking** serves as a testament to the school's dedication to providing a nurturing and effective learning environment, making it a model for excellence in education.


O Grande Colégio Universal, instituição privada do Porto com mais de um século, conquistou o primeiro lugar do pódio do Ranking das Escolas do JN. Alunos e professores destacam a relação de proximidade e de confiança entre toda a comunidade escolar como o grande motor da excelência do ensino.

Why Grande Colégio Universal is Shaping the Future of Education in Portugal

In a country renowned for its tourism, how have **Algarve** and **Madeira** managed to remain without a direct flight connection for so long? This question arises, especially when the state owns four airlines aimed at combating Portugal's **peripheral condition** and promoting **decentralized tourism**. Until now, travel between **Faro** and **Funchal** has been reliant on the **Lisbon hub**, leading to longer travel times and higher costs.

Starting **June 2** and running until early September, travelers can now fly directly from Faro to Funchal on **Mondays and Thursdays** in a **100-minute non-stop flight**. This is a significant improvement compared to the current travel time of approximately **five hours** via Lisbon, which also exposes passengers to the risk of missed connections due to delays.

Interestingly, this new route is being launched by **TAP Express**, a state-owned airline that has faced growth restrictions due to an agreement with a pilots' union. Moreover, it's noteworthy that organizations like **Turismo de Portugal**, **Turismo da Madeira**, and **Turismo do Algarve** do not provide direct support for new domestic routes, showing a lack of interest in promoting local tourism.

The irony lies in the fact that if a direct flight from **Ayamonte**, Spain, to Madeira were established, there would likely be institutional support and celebration for such an international route. However, a simple connection between Faro and Funchal is merely acknowledged with a pat on the back.

For decades, the **"go abroad within the country"** mantra has led many Madeirans to prefer trips to the **Canary Islands**, where they can enjoy sandy beaches lacking in Madeira. The Canaries benefit from established direct flights, making them a more attractive option for spending money on hotels, car rentals, dining, and shopping.

This summer, Madeirans will trade their **100-minute flights** to Las Palmas for the same duration to Faro. Similarly, Algarve residents previously enjoyed daily flights to Palma de Mallorca.

However, like in the tale of **Cinderella**, this direct flight magic will end on **September 11**, returning to the previous state of no flights. One can only hope for a future where Algarve and Madeira are permanently connected by air!

*Transportation Systems educator and aviation, airport, and tourism consultant*

No país em que o Estado detém quatro companhias aéreas para combater a nossa condição periférica, só agora há ligação aérea direta entre os destinos. E é temporário....

Direct Flights Between Algarve and Madeira: A Long-Awaited Connection Finally Arrives!

### Major Investment in Data Infrastructure

**U.S. investment fund Davidson Kempner** and **Britain's Pioneer Point Partners** are making waves in the tech landscape with plans to invest **€8.5 billion ($9.35 billion)** by **2030** in a cutting-edge **data centre hub** located in **Sines, Portugal**. This investment aims to meet the surging demand from **major tech and artificial intelligence companies**.

### Start Campus Project

The joint venture, named **Start Campus**, is strategically positioned **150 km (93 miles) south of Lisbon** and already has one of the six planned buildings operational. This initiative is particularly timely, as the demand for data centres has skyrocketed since the launch of **ChatGPT** by **OpenAI** in **2022**. Companies across various sectors are increasingly transitioning their operations to the **cloud** and integrating **AI** into their services.

### Economic Implications

**Portugal's caretaker Economy Minister, Pedro Reis**, emphasized that this project is a **"structuring investment for the Portuguese economy"**, which will position Portugal strategically within the **data economy**. He noted the **privileged geographical location** of Sines as a significant advantage for the project.

**($1 = 0.9087 euros)**

U.S. investment fund Davidson Kempner and Britain's Pioneer Point Partners plan to invest 8.5 billion euros ($9.35 billion) by 2030 in a data centre hub in Portugal to serve a growing demand from major tech and artificial intelligence companies. They said on Friday their joint project, Start Campus, in the city of Sines, 150 km (93 miles) south of Lisbon, already has one of the planned six buildings in operation. Investments in data centres, which help provide computing power for AI, have surged since OpenAI launched ChatGPT in 2022, as companies across sectors increasingly shift their operations to the cloud and integrate AI into their offerings.

Portugal Set to Become a Data Powerhouse with $9.35 Billion Investment in Sines

### **Event Cancellation Due to Weather**  
The **World Physical Activity Day** event, which was set to **close traffic** on the Marginal between **Lisbon and Cascais** on the morning of **April 6**, has been **canceled**. The municipalities of **Cascais**, **Oeiras**, and **Lisbon**, who were organizing the activities, announced this decision due to **adverse weather forecasts**.  
  
### **Safety First**  
In a statement released to the press, the municipalities emphasized that the cancellation aims to **ensure the safety** and **free participation** of all involved. They noted that a new date for the initiative will be communicated in due course.  
  
This event was meant to celebrate the practice of physical exercise and raise awareness about the importance of **healthy living habits**. It would have marked the second consecutive year for this initiative, which typically includes various **free activities** along the route from **Alcântara** (Lisbon) to **Parede** (Cascais).  
  
### **Future Plans**  
The municipalities are committed to rescheduling the event to continue promoting physical activity for everyone, keeping the spirit of dynamism and community alive.

Iniciativa foi cancelada devido às “previsões meteorológicas adversas”, informou a organização em comunicado.

Weather Forces Cancellation of Major Traffic Event on Lisbon-Cascais Marginal

### Investigation Overview

The recent **Operation Pactum** has led to significant developments in Portugal's fight against fraud. Last Thursday, authorities conducted searches resulting in the **constitution of 43 suspects**, comprising **12 corporate entities** and **31 individuals**. Among those implicated are employees from the **General Secretariat of the Ministry of Justice** and the **IT department of the Bank of Portugal**.

### Financial Impact

The investigation targets alleged schemes that have reportedly caused **losses of 17 million euros** to the state, highlighting the scale of the fraud and the involvement of various state organizations. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts to combat corruption and enhance accountability within public institutions.

### Next Steps

Authorities are expected to continue their inquiries into the involved parties and the mechanisms of fraud, aiming to recover the lost funds and prevent future occurrences.

<p><span>Investigação visa esquemas com fraude em vários organismos do Estado que terão lesado o Estado em 17 milhões de euros</span></p>

Severe Disruption on Lisbon's Green Line Due to Passenger Incident

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Other Latest News

RTP Secures Three-Year Deal to Broadcast Lisbon's Iconic Festas

Gouveia e Melo Leads in Presidential Race: Surprising Insights from Recent Polls

Why Grande Colégio Universal is Shaping the Future of Education in Portugal

Direct Flights Between Algarve and Madeira: A Long-Awaited Connection Finally Arrives!

Portugal Set to Become a Data Powerhouse with $9.35 Billion Investment in Sines

Weather Forces Cancellation of Major Traffic Event on Lisbon-Cascais Marginal

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Other Latest News

RTP Secures Three-Year Deal to Broadcast Lisbon's Iconic Festas

Gouveia e Melo Leads in Presidential Race: Surprising Insights from Recent Polls

Why Grande Colégio Universal is Shaping the Future of Education in Portugal

Direct Flights Between Algarve and Madeira: A Long-Awaited Connection Finally Arrives!

Portugal Set to Become a Data Powerhouse with $9.35 Billion Investment in Sines

Weather Forces Cancellation of Major Traffic Event on Lisbon-Cascais Marginal

Major Fraud Investigation Uncovers 43 Suspects in Portugal's Justice and Banking Sectors