### **Man Arrested for Domestic Murder in Barreiro**  
The Barreiro Court has placed a **45-year-old man** in **preventive custody** on suspicion of murdering his **46-year-old wife** at their home on Thursday. The shocking incident occurred in front of their two children, raising serious concerns about domestic violence in the region.  

![Domestic Violence Incident](https://asset.skoiy.com/jnrcnjwljorqgsbu/yesycy0p4uqm.jpg?w=1852&q=80&crop=1008,672,0,169)  
*The victim had two children. Photo: Rights Reserved.*  

The authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic event, which has left the community in shock. The case highlights the urgent need for more effective measures to combat domestic violence in Portugal.

O Tribunal do Barreiro colocou em prisão preventiva o homem de 45 anos suspeito de matar a mulher, na quinta-feira, em casa.

Tragic Domestic Violence Incident: Man Remanded After Killing Wife in Front of Children

## Major Legal Shift in Casino Compensation

The **Supreme Administrative Court** of Portugal has **revoked** a decision made by the **Arbitral Tribunal** that mandated the state to compensate the concessionaire of the Algarve casinos with over **€15 million**. This announcement was made public on Friday.

In its ruling, the Supreme Court accepted the appeal from the **Portuguese State** and deemed the action brought forth by **Solverde - Sociedade de Investimentos Turísticos** as **"totally unfounded"**.

### Background of the Case

Solverde sought compensation due to the significant impact of the **2008 economic crisis** on their gross revenues, which plummeted dramatically. The court noted that, for the first time, the **annual contributions** to the state were no longer calculated based on the standard **35% of gross revenues** from the concession. Instead, they were based on **minimum compensation values** set by law.

### Court's Findings

The arbitral court had previously ruled in **July 2024** that the state must pay compensation, asserting that the **2008 financial crisis** constituted a change in circumstances that adversely affected the concessionaire's activities, resulting in a decrease in their gross revenues.

The arbitral tribunal ordered the state to return the difference between the annual contributions and the minimum contributions paid by Solverde from **2012 to 2014**, totaling **€15,527,756.40**. However, the Supreme Administrative Court has now annulled this ruling.

In a detailed **53-page decision**, the judges of the Administrative Litigation Section of the Supreme Court upheld the appeal, revoked the arbitral ruling, and concluded that the action was entirely unfounded.

### Economic Context

The **2007-2008 international financial crisis**, triggered by the collapse of **Lehman Brothers**, had widespread repercussions on major financial institutions, influencing economic conditions in Portugal and beyond.

Em julho de 2024, o Tribunal Arbitral condenou o Estado a pagar uma compensação à concessionária dos Casinos do Algarve.

Portugal's Supreme Administrative Court Overturns €15 Million Casino Compensation Ruling

## Direct Elections Announced for PS-Madeira Leadership

The **leader of PS-Madeira**, Paulo Cafôfo, has called for **direct elections** for the party's leadership, set to occur before the anticipated regional legislative elections. This decision comes as an effort to strengthen the party's internal structure ahead of the upcoming challenges.

Cafôfo is set to hold a **press conference** this afternoon where he will confirm his candidacy for the leadership position once again. The push for these direct elections was initially requested by **Carlos Pereira**, highlighting a shift towards greater democratic participation within the party.

The elections are proposed to take place on **January 31**. Cafôfo emphasized the importance of reinforcing the party's leadership through internal elections, stating, "As president of PS-Madeira, and in a profound respect for the democratic rules that guide us, I believe that the leadership of our party should be strengthened through internal elections before the next regional elections. This step is essential to ensure the confidence of all members and supporters, as well as to prepare PS-Madeira with the determination and mobilization needed to face the challenges ahead. I am not afraid of internal elections. Unlike Miguel Albuquerque, who fears holding an extraordinary congress and subjecting himself to internal elections, I am ready to face elections against Carlos Pereira."

O líder do PS-M decidiu convocar eleições 'directas' para a liderança do PS-Madeira, a terem lugar ainda antes das eleições legislativas regionais antecipadas.

PS-Madeira Leader Calls for Direct Elections Amidst Regional Legislative Changes

### Manuel António Correia's Urgent Call for Action

Manuel António Correia, a key figure opposing the current PSD leadership led by Miguel Albuquerque, has expressed frustration over the party's **inaction** regarding a request for an **extraordinary congress** and **internal elections**. He stated, **"After 19 days of requesting a meeting, the PSD Madeira continues to delay a simple decision: to convene the regional council for a statement."**

### Concerns for Party Members

In a press release, Correia highlighted the importance of listening to the **540 party members** who supported this request, emphasizing that **they deserve to be heard**. He also noted that since the last internal elections, many members have faced **challenges**, including difficulties with membership fees and instances of **persecution** and **dismissals**.

### Allegations of Manipulation

Correia pointed out that there is a **manipulation of party organs** aimed at obstructing the congress's organization. He directly attributed this to Miguel Albuquerque, asserting that he is attempting to **block legitimate expressions** from the party members.

### A Call for Democratic Practices

He condemned the current state of affairs, stating it is **unacceptable** for the party's internal democracy to be **manipulated** and reminded members that **PSD Madeira belongs to its members**, not just to a small elite. Correia insisted that the party requires **free, transparent, and democratic internal elections**. If Albuquerque is not afraid of the members' opinions, he should **resign** and allow a democratic process to unfold, thereby enabling a strategy for the upcoming **regional elections**.

### The Need for Renewal

Correia concluded by stating that **political chaos and instability** arise not only from a lack of leadership but also from a **failure to renew** and **open dialogue**. He stressed that **PSD Madeira urgently needs regeneration**.

"Após 19 dias do requerimento para a realização de um
congresso extraordinário e eleições internas, os órgãos do PSD Madeira
continuam a adiar uma decisão simples: convocar o conselho regional para se
pronunciar". Quem o diz é o próprio Manuel António Correia, que protagoniza a alternativa interna à liderança de Miguel Albuquerque.

PSD Leadership Under Fire: Manuel António Correia Demands Urgent Internal Elections

### The Controversial Scanner Deal in Lisbon

After **Leixões** and **Setúbal**, the **Nuctech** scanners are now set to arrive at the **Port of Lisbon**. Following a public tender, **Protilis Portugal** secured the contract by proposing the lowest bid, but the contract is still pending approval from the **Court of Auditors**. As stated, the contract cannot be executed without a positive preliminary review.

The non-intrusive container inspection equipment was purchased for nearly **two million euros**—**700,000 euros less** than the nearest competitor's bid. The **Siemens** proposal was valued at **2.7 million euros**, while **Microsegur** bid around **three million euros**. The initial budget for the public tender was set at **3.033 million euros**.

### Siemens' Objections

Siemens expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, questioning the technology offered by Protilis and citing safety concerns. They accused the winning bid of being a **low-cost solution** lacking in safety requirements. Siemens' contention highlights a significant debate over the **safety standards** of Chinese-made equipment, with suggestions that current European directives discourage such purchases for high-security infrastructures.

### The Response from Nuctech

**Robert Bos**, Nuctech's Vice Director in the Netherlands, responded to the concerns by asserting that their scanners are the only ones currently operational in Portugal. He emphasized that their bid was **700,000 euros cheaper** than the competition and defended the quality of their products. Despite ongoing investigations into foreign subsidies affecting Nuctech, Bos claimed that the company has operated safely in Europe for 20 years, labeling the criticisms as politically motivated.

### Political Implications

This procurement comes at a time when the **U.S.** has raised alarms about potential **national security** risks associated with Chinese technology in critical infrastructure. The situation has sparked a heated debate about the implications of such deals, with some calling it a **political war** and likening it to a **James Bond** narrative.

![Scanner Equipment](https://bordalo.observador.pt/v2/q:60/rs:fill:560/plain/https://s3.observador.pt/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20125810/ep1-textos.jpg)

Depois de Leixões e Setúbal, a Nuctech tem scanner também no porto de Lisboa, mas o contrato ainda não está executado. O pedido de exclusão da proposta "low cost" e a polémica à "James Bond".

Lisbon's Port Scanners: A Controversial Deal with Chinese Technology Amid Security Concerns

### FC Onze Esperanças Sends Playful Challenge to Sp. Braga's Ana Markovic

Ana Markovic, the Croatian international forward from **Sp. Braga**, has been humorously challenged by **FC Onze Esperanças**, a team in the **1st Division of AF Algarve**, to relocate to the south of Portugal. The playful suggestion comes as her boyfriend, **Tomás Ribeiro**, recently joined **Farense** as a reinforcement. 

In their social media message, the club not only welcomes her but also proposes she try her hand at **futevólei**, a popular beach sport. They acknowledge that women's football isn't very prominent in the region yet but extend an irresistible invitation:

> "Dear Ana Maria Markovic, we know Tomás is coming to play in Faro, and you must be looking for things to do in the Algarve capital. Welcome! Our Beach Arena, located right in the city center, has all the conditions for you to become the best Croatian futevólei player ever."

The club also boasts of local amenities and sponsors, offering her the best of Algarve living:
- **Delicious local fruits** from Frutas Casimiro and **raspberries** from Jbi.
- Access to a **gym** - Powerfit Studio - to stay fit.
- Enjoy fantastic **gins** at Snack Bar Apolo.
- Savor local cuisine at **Sítio dos Presuntos** or restaurants from the **Gião Group**.
- After a night out, indulge in bread with chorizo from **Lisbonense** or the finest sausages from **Salvador da Praça**.
- For beauty treatments, they recommend **Sakura Hairdressers** or dental care at **RiaFaro Clinic**.

The club emphasizes their readiness to assist with more than 30 sponsors available for common needs when moving. They even promise a new bridge to **Praia de Faro** for quick access to the southern paradise. If she accepts the invitation, she could be introduced to club members this Saturday during the football team's halftime.

*Written by Gonçalo Vasconcelos*

Clube Onze Esperanças envia mensagem bem humorada à jogadora do Sp. Braga, namorada de Tomás Ribeiro, reforço do Farense

Ana Markovic Playfully Challenged to Move to Algarve for Futevólei

## **Physiatrist's First Knowledge of the Case**  
In 2023, the physiatrist became aware of the twins' case following the **prescription of wheelchairs** by a doctor in their service, which he deemed **"a bit high"** during validation.  

## **Four Electric Wheelchairs Requested**  
The director of Physiatry at Santa Maria reported that **four electric wheelchairs** were prescribed—two from Alcoitão and two purchased by the hospital, which were later given to other children since the twins never picked them up.  

## **Criticism of Public Fund Management**  
He remarked, **"The wheelchairs prescribed by Santa Maria were delivered there and never left Santa Maria. It didn’t seem like good management of public funds."**  

## **Mother's Concerns Over Missing Support Products**  
The physiatrist revealed that the twins' mother mentioned a lack of **support products** and that there were **nine support products** prescribed over four occasions for the Lusobrasilian twins, including wheelchairs prescribed on February 20, 2023, and delivered at the end of 2023.  

## **Changing Needs of the Children**  
The doctor noted that **“the children came with a plethora of items”** to Portugal, but their needs changed as they grew. The first support equipment was prescribed on January 27, 2021, while the wheelchairs were prescribed on February 20, 2023.  

## **Unusual Admission Process**  
The director of Physiatry expressed that it wasn’t **“normal”** how the children were admitted to Santa Maria Hospital, stating that he had never seen such a case in nearly **40 years of career**.  

## **Denial of Pressure by Medical Staff**  
Before being questioned by parliament members, Dr. Francisco Sampaio stated that the involvement of his service was due to a **"normal internal request"** to observe the children and that he received no pressure from the administration.  

## **CPI's Next Steps**  
The committee investigating the twins' case decided to ask the President of the Assembly of the Republic to appeal the Supreme Administrative Court's decision regarding the inquiry committee's name.  

## **Neuropediatrician Acknowledges Pressure**  
Neuropediatrician Tiago Proença dos Santos admitted there was **“pressure”** and that the letter he initiated aimed to highlight the cost of a medication for patients already treated in Brazil.  

## **Clarification on Treatment Choices**  
He clarified that **“we never thought these patients should not be treated”** and that Dr. Teresa Moreno was never forced to choose Zolgensma as a treatment.  

## **Discussion of the Case's Implications**  
Proença dos Santos noted that this case opens **“two Pandora's boxes,”** acknowledging the complexities involved when treating patients already receiving care in their home countries.  

The hearing continues as the investigation seeks to uncover the full story behind the twins' medical journey.

Shocking Developments in the Twin Sisters Case: Parliament Questions Medical Mismanagement

### Gouveia e Melo Discusses Future Plans and Defense Industry Concerns

Admiral **Henrique Gouveia e Melo** has chosen to stay noncommittal about his potential candidacy in upcoming elections. In a recent appearance on the **Expresso da Manhã** podcast, he stated, "Since I have been in reserve, I am closer to taking a well-deserved vacation. **After that, we'll see.**" He expressed gratitude to the **Portuguese people** for their **sympathy and trust**, acknowledging being a favorite in polls but refraining from making any definitive statements about his political future.

### Urgent Need for Defense Discussion

Gouveia e Melo emphasized the **urgent** and **necessary** discussion surrounding the **financing of the Defense Industry** during the presidential campaign. He pointed out that this issue not only affects **security** but also the **prosperity** of Europe.

He advocates for increased investment in the defense sector but has not committed to any specific funding methods. When questioned about **defense bonds** in the EU, he sidestepped the topic.

### Advocating for Smart Reindustrialization

The Admiral also highlighted the importance of **intelligent reindustrialization** to tackle dependency on the USA. He argued that spending on defense might require reallocating **social expenses**, questioning, "**What good are social expenses if we don’t have a country?**" He proposed a **1-1.5% GDP increase** in defense spending for Europe, suggesting that failing to do so would mean losing everything.

### Support for a New Model of Mandatory Military Service

Gouveia e Melo supports a **new model of Mandatory Military Service** (SMO), diverging from the previous system used until the early 2000s. He believes that young people should not be forced to spend **two or three years** of their lives in service without purpose. Although he did not detail his proposed model, he referred to successful examples from **Switzerland** and **Sweden**.

Additionally, he expressed concerns over behaviors that threaten the **sovereignty** of democratic territories, referencing **Donald Trump’s** alleged intentions regarding Greenland and Canada.

O almirante Gouveia e Melo não assume candidatura, mas diz que é "urgente e necessário" que seja feito um debate sobre a indústria da Defesa na campanha das presidenciais.

Tragic Domestic Violence Incident: Man Remanded After Killing Wife in Front of Children

Summary:

Man Arrested for Domestic Murder in Barreiro

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