## Major Revelations from Operation Influencer

Recent developments from **Operation Influencer** have unveiled a trove of personal data regarding **SIS** and **SIED** spies, as well as inspectors from the **Judiciary Police (PJ)** and the **Tax Authority**. This sensitive information was confiscated during searches at the **Palácio de São Bento**.

## New Investigation Launched

In light of these discoveries, a **new investigation** has been initiated over suspicions of **state secret violations**. Notably, neither **António Costa**, the Prime Minister, nor **Vítor Escária**, the Secretary of State, have yet been confronted with these allegations.

![Operation Influencer](https://asset.skoiy.com/jnrcnjwljorqgsbu/odxibnsfghzm.jpg?w=1852&q=80)
*António Costa is currently the President of the European Commission. Photo: John Thys / AFP*

Os dados pessoais de espiões do SIS e do SIED bem como de inspetores da PJ e do Fisco foram apreendidos no Palácio de São Bento, aquando das buscas da Operação Influencer. Foi aberta uma nova investigação por suspeitas de violação de segredo de Estado, mas nem António Costa nem Vítor Escária foram, ainda, confrontados.

Shocking Spy Data Seized in Operation Influencer: What You Need to Know

# The Celestino Project: Transforming Homelessness into Poetry

Living on the streets may not seem poetic, yet the experiences of those without shelter often reveal profound stories. The **reality of homelessness** is one that transcends mere survival, capturing the essence of human experiences that often go unheard. This is the inspiration behind the poetry book **Caderno de Rua**, launched by **Poets & Painters**, featuring works by 24 homeless individuals from Lisbon and Amadora.

![Capa do livro “Caderno de Rua”. Foto: Poets & Painters.](https://i0.wp.com/amensagem.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/CADERNO-DE-RUA-CAPA.png?resize=608%2C828&quality=80&ssl=1)

The book, set to launch on January 31st at 18:30 in Alcântara, showcases the **poetic voices** of nine women and fifteen men from various backgrounds, including Portuguese, Brazilian, Nepalese, and Mozambican. This initiative was made possible through collaboration with social intervention units like the **Grupo Ativista em Tratamento (GAT)** and **Espaço Ímpar-Crescer**.

## The Inspiration Behind the Project
The project is inspired by **Luís Celestino**, a well-known figure among the streets of Lisbon, often seen reading peacefully amid the city's chaos. His transition from a reader to a storyteller prompted him to share his life experiences through poetry, thus giving birth to the Celestino Project.

## Rui Sousa's Journey
In March 2020, **Rui Sousa**, a poet from the Azores, moved to Lisbon with aspirations of selling his poetry on the streets. However, the pandemic forced him into homelessness. After discovering a shelter, Rui began to interact with the homeless community, leading him to meet Celestino.

![Rui Sousa with his desire to write poetry. Foto: Álvaro Filho.](https://i0.wp.com/amensagem.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_6496-scaled.jpg?resize=780%2C581&quality=89&ssl=1)

Rui learned about Celestino's interest in writing and gifted him a notebook and pens, sparking the idea of creating a poetry collection from the experiences of the homeless.

## Collaboration with Young Poets
Rui's path crossed with young poets **Inês** and **Diogo**, who were involved in various poetic initiatives in Lisbon. Together, they organized poetry sessions, inviting the homeless to share their stories and transform them into poetry. Their efforts were supported through funding from the **European Solidarity Corps** and logistical assistance from GAT and Espaço Crescer.

![Inês and Diogo working on the project. Foto: Álvaro Filho.](https://i0.wp.com/amensagem.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_6449-scaled.jpg?resize=780%2C537&quality=89&ssl=1)

The project emphasized **expression and freedom** rather than aesthetic judgment, ultimately culminating in the publication of **Caderno de Rua**, which includes heartfelt poems and images from the sessions.

![Poema da poeta Patrícia Gomes. Foto: Poets & Dragons.](https://i0.wp.com/amensagem.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-01-27-at-16.19.05.png?resize=419%2C221&quality=80&ssl=1)

The Celestino Project extends beyond poetry, inspiring a series of documentaries that capture the lives of these poets, showcasing their stories on both the page and the screen.

Três poetas criaram o Projeto Celestino para estimular sem-abrigo de Lisboa e Amadora a transformarem experiências em um livro de poesia.

Meet Celestino: The Homeless Poet Who Inspired a Unique Poetry Project in Lisbon

## Festival Overview

The **Portuguese Guitar Festival** is set to make its debut on **February 7-8, 2025**, in **Lisbon**, celebrating the centenary of the legendary Carlos Paredes. This festival will gather a diverse array of musicians from different generations, showcasing various interpretations of the Portuguese guitar.

![Festival de Guitarra Portuguesa](https://www.guiadacidade.pt/pim/phpThumb.php?src=http://www.guiadacidade.pt/assets/uploads/artigos/317000/capa_316962.jpg&w=928&h=522&zc=1)

## Event Highlights

This annual festival will take place at **Capitólio, Teatro Variedades, and Cinema São Jorge**, featuring a rich program of concerts, talks, and documentaries. It aims to honor the timeless and universal legacy of Carlos Paredes, one of the most notable figures in Portuguese guitar music.

### Program Schedule

**Friday, March 7**  
- 18:30 – Sinfonietta + Paulo Soares at Cinema São Jorge  
- 20:00 – Entre Paredes, Bernardo Moreira Sexteto at Capitólio  
- 20:00 – Armindo Fernandes at Teatro Variedades  
- 21:00 – Bernardo Couto & Martin Sued at Capitólio  
- 21:00 – Henrique Fraga at Teatro Variedades  
- 22:00 – Armindo Fernandes at Teatro Variedades  
- 22:00 – Entre Paredes, Bernardo Moreira Sexteto at Capitólio  
- 23:00 – Henrique Fraga at Teatro Variedades  
- 23:00 – Bernardo Couto & Martin Sued at Capitólio  

**Saturday, March 8**  
- 16:30 – Luísa Amaro presents Sounds of the Guitar – 100 years of Carlos Paredes at Capitólio  
- 16:30 – Luís Coelho at Teatro Variedades  
- 17:30 – M-Pex at Teatro Variedades  
- 17:30 – Pedro de Castro invites David Ribeiro & Eurico Machado at Capitólio  
- 18:30 – Daniel Freire at Teatro Variedades  
- 18:30 – Pedro Caldeira Cabral at Capitólio  
- 19:30 – Luís Coelho at Teatro Variedades  
- 19:30 – Luísa Amaro presents Sounds of the Guitar – 100 years of Carlos Paredes at Capitólio  
- 20:30 – José Manuel Neto at Cinema São Jorge  
- 22:00 – Pedro Caldeira Cabral at Capitólio  
- 22:00 – Daniel Freire at Teatro Variedades  
- 23:00 – Pedro de Castro invites David Ribeiro & Eurico Machado at Capitólio  
- 23:00 – M-Pex at Teatro Variedades  

**Production**: Museu do Fado | Lisboa Cultura and Ghude  
**In partnership with**: Ministry of Culture and Lisbon City Council  

[Click here for Tickets](https://208.87.241.149/pt/go/out/blueticket.meo.pt/aHR0cHM6Ly9ibHVldGlja2V0Lm1lby5wdC9wdC9ldmVudC8xMzQ5OS9mZXN0aXZhbC1kZS1ndWl0YXJyYS1wb3J0dWd1ZXNh?__cpo=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ3VpYWRhY2lkYWRlLnB0)

As celebrações do centenário de nascimento de Carlos Paredes dão o mote para a primeira edição do Festival de Guitarra Portuguesa. Reunindo…

Experience the Inaugural Portuguese Guitar Festival: A Tribute to Carlos Paredes

### Shocking Incident in Sesimbra

A **43-year-old man** is suspected of murdering his **45-year-old wife** and **17-year-old stepdaughter** in a horrific act of domestic violence, before taking his own life. This tragedy occurred in Sesimbra during the early hours of Thursday morning, as confirmed by the **GNR** (National Guard Republic).

### No Prior History of Violence

According to **Major Lígia dos Santos** from the GNR, there was **no prior history of domestic violence** within the family. The authorities were alerted to the situation around **1:30 AM** through the national emergency number.

### The Scene of the Crime

Upon arriving at the residence, authorities discovered **three bodies** and a **16-month-old baby**, who fortunately escaped unhurt. The baby is now under the care of maternal grandparents. The crimes were reportedly committed using a **bladed weapon**, which was found at the scene.

### Ongoing Investigation

The bodies have been sent to the **Institute of Legal Medicine** at São Bernardo Hospital in Setúbal. The **Judicial Police** of Setúbal were called to the scene around **3 AM** and are currently investigating the case.

### Alarming Statistics

Data from the **Observatory of Murdered Women** indicates that from **January 1 to November 15, 2024**, at least **25 women** were murdered, with **20** of these cases classified as **femicide**. While the total number of homicide victims remains unchanged from the previous year, femicides have seen an alarming increase.

Earlier this year, another **domestic violence incident** took place in **Barreiro**, where a man killed his wife with scissors in front of their two children, aged six and fourteen, who attempted to intervene.

Homicídio ocorreu de madrugada em Sesimbra. De acordo com a GNR, “não há historial de violência doméstica” na família.

Tragic Domestic Violence Incident in Sesimbra: A Family's Nightmare Unfolds

## The Emotional Landscape of Immigration Politics

Despite numerous appeals, **immigration** remains a hotly debated topic in Portugal, often driven more by **emotion** than by rational discussion. Political parties, especially the **PCP** and **Bloco**, should recognize that the essence of politics today revolves around **managing and exploiting public emotions** rather than engaging in academic discourse.

## Pedro Nuno Santos' Balancing Act

In the current immigration debate, **Pedro Nuno Santos (PNS)** has attempted to balance emotion with reason. Acknowledging that immigration is an emotional issue for many Portuguese citizens, he has aligned his stance with public sentiment, advocating for **controlled immigration** and the **integration of immigrants** into Portuguese society.

## Political Backlash

However, this approach has drawn criticism from both the **Costista faction** of the **PS** and radical left parties like **Bloco** and **Livre**. Ironically, the Costistas, who are attacking PNS, are at odds with **António Costa II**, the President of the European Council, who shares PNS's views, indicating a **broader consensus in the EU** on immigration.

## The Stakes in Lisbon's Local Elections

PNS understands that to win the local elections in Lisbon, he must adjust his immigration stance and acknowledge past government errors. Additionally, a coalition with **Bloco** and **Livre** is crucial. **Alexandra Leitão**, aiming for victory in Lisbon, faces a dilemma: she must either embrace PNS's immigration policy or risk internal strife within the PS, potentially jeopardizing their electoral chances.

## Possible Outcomes

Three potential solutions emerge:
1. **Alexandra Leitão** distances herself from PNS, creating a serious internal crisis within the PS and risking electoral defeat.
2. The **Bloco** and **Livre** present their own candidates, as immigration poses an insurmountable barrier with the PS.
3. In a bid for unity among the left, **Bloco** and **Livre** may accept PNS's position, aligning more with the center-right on immigration.

The political tension surrounding immigration in Lisbon is palpable, with significant implications for the upcoming elections.

Alexandra Leitão para ganhar Lisboa precisa de aceitar a política de imigração do líder do seu partido e do apoio de dois partidos que discordam absolutamente de Pedro Nuno Santos.

Lisbon's Immigration Debate: Pedro Nuno Santos Faces Political Turmoil

## A Historic Art Sale

A **painting by Domingos Sequeira**, depicting a biblical scene titled **"Resting During the Flight to Egypt"**, was sold for an impressive **€95,000** at an auction held in **Lyon, France**. 

This artwork, created in **1824**, had been recently rediscovered, with its whereabouts unknown until now. The auction was conducted by **ArtEnchères**, and the painting was acquired by a couple of **Portuguese collectors** who plan to take it to **New York**. 

Despite efforts to secure the piece, the **Portuguese State** participated in the bidding but ultimately was unable to finalize the purchase as intended.

O quadro, redescoberto recentemente em França, foi comprado por casal de coleccionadores portugueses e vai para Nova Iorque. A MMP participou no leilão, mas não conseguiu “concretizar a compra”.

Rare Domingos Sequeira Painting Fetches €95,000 in Lyon Auction, Escaping Portuguese State Acquisition

### Algarve Reservoirs Reach 49% Capacity

The reservoirs of **Algarve** have seen a significant increase in their water levels, now standing at **49%** of their total capacity. This is a notable rise from just **34%** recorded over a week ago, prior to heavy rains affecting the region and Baixo Alentejo. The data comes from the **Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente** and is available on the **National Water Resources Information System**.

### Recent Rainfall Impact

Following the passage of **Depression Garoe**, the APA reported that the reservoirs were already at **45% capacity**. However, there is a stark contrast between the reservoirs in **Sotavento** and those in **Barlavento** regions. The APA's Weekly Bulletin indicates that as of **January 27**, the two reservoirs in **Sotavento** now hold **71% capacity** - with **Odeleite** at **73%** and **Beliche** at **65%**.

In contrast, the **Barlavento** region shows a modest increase from **31%** to **33%**, with **Odelouca** at **37%**, **Funcho** at **44%**, **Arade** at **17%**, and **Bravura** at **14%**.

### Water Supply for the Future

Since mid-last week, the total amount of water stored in Algarve's six major reservoirs has increased by nearly **15 hectometers cubed**, reaching approximately **215 hm3**. To put this in perspective, the average annual urban water consumption in Algarve is around **80 hm3**. Additionally, these reservoirs also serve agricultural purposes. Currently, there is enough stored water in Algarve for over a year, according to the APA.

O Algarve entrou em 2025 com o conjunto das suas seis barragens a 34% da capacidade total

Algarve Reservoirs Surge: Recent Rains Boost Capacity to Nearly 50%

## Discover BiblioLED: Your Gateway to Free Digital Reading

The **Direção-Geral do Livro** has launched an exciting new service called **BiblioLED**, offering free access to a vast catalog of **1500 books** and audiobooks for users registered at municipal libraries. This innovative digital platform is available **24/7**, ensuring readers can enjoy literature at their convenience.

### What’s Included?
The initial collection features a **national collection** with **1500 titles** available to all libraries in the **Rede Nacional de Bibliotecas Públicas (RNBP)**, alongside **25 regional collections** exclusive to users of the **Intermunicipal and Metropolitan Library Networks**. The catalog includes a variety of **fiction and non-fiction** titles, predominantly in **Portuguese**.

### How to Access BiblioLED
To enjoy this service, users must be registered at a participating municipal library and request access through the **BiblioLED website** using their library card number. After submitting a request, users will receive a confirmation email, which will provide access details. A **Mobile Digital Key** option is also available for convenient logins.

### Borrowing Made Easy
Once logged in, users can explore the catalog and borrow books with ease. Each user can borrow **up to two digital books** and **one audiobook** simultaneously, with a standard borrowing period of **21 days**. If a desired title is currently checked out, users can reserve it, and they will be notified via email when it becomes available.

### Return and Reading Options
Books are automatically returned at the end of the borrowing period, but users can return them early if finished. The platform allows reading **online** or **offline** on computers and digital readers. Additionally, BiblioLED is accessible through an app on both **iOS** and **Android**, providing a seamless reading experience.

With BiblioLED, readers in Portugal can now enjoy a wealth of literature at their fingertips, transforming the way they access and enjoy books!

<p><span>O novo serviço da Direção-Geral do Livro permite o acesso digital e gratuito a um catálogo de 1500 livros e audiolivros. Para aceder basta estar inscrito numa biblioteca municipal e fazer o pedido no site. Veja o passo a passo neste artigo. </span></p>

Shocking Spy Data Seized in Operation Influencer: What You Need to Know

Summary:

Major Revelations from Operation Influencer

New Investigation Launched

Comments

Join Our Community

Subscribe our newsletter to receive our daily digested news

PortugalToday.news

Other Latest News

Meet Celestino: The Homeless Poet Who Inspired a Unique Poetry Project in Lisbon

Experience the Inaugural Portuguese Guitar Festival: A Tribute to Carlos Paredes

Tragic Domestic Violence Incident in Sesimbra: A Family's Nightmare Unfolds

Lisbon's Immigration Debate: Pedro Nuno Santos Faces Political Turmoil

Rare Domingos Sequeira Painting Fetches €95,000 in Lyon Auction, Escaping Portuguese State Acquisition

Algarve Reservoirs Surge: Recent Rains Boost Capacity to Nearly 50%

Unlock Free Access to 1500 Books with Portugal's New BiblioLED Service!

Other Latest News

Meet Celestino: The Homeless Poet Who Inspired a Unique Poetry Project in Lisbon

Experience the Inaugural Portuguese Guitar Festival: A Tribute to Carlos Paredes

Tragic Domestic Violence Incident in Sesimbra: A Family's Nightmare Unfolds

Lisbon's Immigration Debate: Pedro Nuno Santos Faces Political Turmoil

Rare Domingos Sequeira Painting Fetches €95,000 in Lyon Auction, Escaping Portuguese State Acquisition

Algarve Reservoirs Surge: Recent Rains Boost Capacity to Nearly 50%

Unlock Free Access to 1500 Books with Portugal's New BiblioLED Service!