## Significant Increase in Water Reserves

The reservoirs in the **Algarve** region have seen a remarkable increase of **128 hectometers cubed (hm³)** compared to last year. This substantial rise in water levels is expected to sustain the region for more than a year.

![Algarve Reservoirs](https://asset.skoiy.com/tsfiqogiwkcugyug/sfumpoax5wpt.jpg?w=1852&q=80)
*Image Credit: Carlos Vidigal Jr./Global Imagens (archive)*

This increase marks a significant milestone, as it has been **20 years** since the region has experienced such high water levels, attributed to recent **heavy rainfall**. The implications of this boost in water supply are vital for both local agriculture and overall water management in the Algarve, enhancing resilience against future droughts.

As barragens do Algarve têm mais 128 hectómetros cúbicos (hm3) em relação ao ano passado, água que dará para mais de um ano

Unprecedented Rainfall Boosts Algarve Reservoirs: A 20-Year High in Water Levels

## Overview of Public Sentiment
A recent **poll** provides a detailed snapshot of Portuguese public opinion amidst ongoing **political turmoil**. The findings indicate a strong **rejection of early elections**, with voters united in their stance against them, yet divided on ethical concerns regarding **Luís Montenegro**.

## Key Findings
- **Early Elections Rejected**: The majority of Portuguese citizens oppose early elections, favoring stability over political upheaval.
- **Divided Opinions on Montenegro**: While many believe Montenegro has not provided sufficient explanations regarding his family's business dealings, a significant portion still finds his actions acceptable.
- **Censorship and Political Parties**: The poll reveals that voters penalize parties like **Chega** and **CDU** for proposing motions of censorship, while appreciating the **PS** for voting against them.

## Detailed Poll Insights
### Insufficient Explanations from Montenegro
Despite multiple attempts to clarify his family's business activities, public dissatisfaction has grown. In the first week, responses were nearly split, but by the second week, **59%** felt his explanations were inadequate, a notable increase of **15 percentage points**.

### Chega's Motive for Censorship
The first motion of censorship proposed by Chega was largely viewed as a tactic to distract from internal party issues. **61%** of respondents believe this was the primary motivation behind Chega's actions.

### Support for PS’s Rejection of CDU’s Motion
The **PS** party's decision to reject the CDU's motion of censorship is positively viewed by **76%** of the electorate, indicating widespread support for government stability.

### Acceptability of Family Business Activities
A significant **49%** of voters agree with Montenegro’s justification for his family’s business, while **32%** disagree. 

### Division on Ethical Concerns
Public opinion is split on whether Montenegro committed any ethical violations or crimes, with **37%** believing investigations aim to hinder government activity.

### Preference for Current Government
Approximately **70%** of voters prefer to maintain the current government rather than face new elections. However, if elections occur, **55%** believe Montenegro should step aside.

### Polling Methodology
Two surveys conducted by **Pitagórica** between February and March 2023, involving **400** and **625** respondents respectively, shed light on these sentiments, with a confidence level of **95.5%** and a margin of error of around **5%**. 

The complete technical report and results are available for public consultation.

Sondagem faz raio-x detalhado da opinião dos portugueses em plena crise política. Eleitores estão unidos contra eleições antecipadas, mas divididos quanto a se houve ou não falha ética de Luís Montenegro. Mas há mais, muito mais. Incluindo a penalização de quem censura (Chega e CDU) e valorização de quem chumba a censura (PS). Sondagem da Pitagórica para a TVI, CNN Portugal, TSF, JN e O Jogo faz um retrato aprofundado e raro da situação

Portuguese Public Opposes Early Elections: Insights from Recent Polling

### A New Ranking for Health Care Quality

**International Living** has recently published a study that evaluates the **best health care systems** worldwide, and **Portugal** has emerged as the leading country for American expats.

![Traditional Portuguese white and blue houses in Ericeira, Portugal.](https://example.com/image.jpg)

### Affordable Access to Health Care

Portugal stands out due to its **easy and affordable access** to both public and private health care. According to the study, the **average cost of a medical visit** without insurance ranges from **$65 to $145**, while with insurance, it drops to around **$20**.

### Insights from Expats

Reflecting on their experience, an expat couple shared their transition from **Los Angeles to Lisbon** four years ago. They emphasized the importance of considering various factors before moving abroad, especially **health care**. The **International Living** ranking reassured them that they made the right choice.

### Rankings and Comparisons

In December, **International Living** released its list of the **top five health care systems** for expats in 2025. The rankings were determined by analyzing the costs of medical procedures and evaluating the **consistency and affordability** of care in both public and private sectors. Portugal was named the best destination for its **quality health care**.

### Benefits of Private Insurance

*Terry Coles*, a contributor for International Living, highlighted the **affordability and quality** of health care in Portugal. Expats often opt for private insurance to gain access to **top-notch care** and avoid long wait times in the public system. The average cost of private insurance is around **$550 per month**, but many find plans for as low as **$140**.

### Public Health Care System

Portugal's **Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS)** provides most essential medical services for free, with minor copays for non-essential treatments. While the public system is effective for emergencies, many expats prefer the **private system** for its shorter wait times and the availability of **English-speaking doctors**.

### Other Top Countries for Health Care

In addition to Portugal, **Costa Rica** was ranked second, followed by **France, Spain,** and **Italy**. The assurance of quality health care is critical for those considering a move abroad, making Portugal a top choice for expats looking to settle in a new home.

International Living recently released a study focused on finding the best health care system in the world for American expats. Portugal came out on top.

Discover Why Portugal is the Top Destination for Expats Seeking Exceptional Health Care

### Lisbon's First Healthy Lunch House Party

This **Saturday, March 15**, Lisbon will host its inaugural **Healthy Lunch House Party**, a daytime event that blends **house music**, **dance**, and a **healthy atmosphere**. The gathering takes place at **Origem Restaurant** in the **Santos neighborhood** from **12 PM to 4 PM**, aiming to challenge the notion that electronic music and social energy belong only to the night.

With the beats of **DJ Mandas**, this innovative concept offers **non-alcoholic beverages** in a vibrant setting, proving that one can enjoy **house culture** without staying up all night.

"This concept is increasingly popular in cities like **Miami** and **Dubai**. Now, it arrives in Portugal to show that **dance**, **great music**, and positive energy among people can happen during the day in a unique, fun, and entirely healthy environment," explains **Alexandra Teixeira**, the project manager in Portugal.

The event will feature **DJ Mandas**, a **Guinean artist** with an international career, having performed in **Asia**, **Brazil**, and **Europe**. In Portugal, he has graced stages such as the **Sol da Caparica Festival** and the **Gulbenkian Summer Garden**.

The choice of venue reflects the spirit of the event, as **Origem – Cozinha Saudável** focuses on balanced, **flexitarian cuisine**, making it a go-to for those seeking nutritious and delicious meals.

**Tickets are limited** and available for purchase on **Shotgun.live**.

Lisboa recebe a primeira Healthy Lunch House Party, um evento diurno que combina música house, dança e um ambiente saudável....

Experience the Vibrant Healthy Lunch House Party in Lisbon This Weekend!

### **Incident in Colombo Shopping Center**  
A **disturbing incident** unfolded at the **Colombo Shopping Center**, one of the busiest malls in Lisbon, when a **group of young people** was seen **running** in panic. The **PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública)** discovered a **"non-detonated ammunition casing"** at the scene, raising significant concerns among shoppers and security personnel.  

### **Video Footage**  
Images circulating on social media show the chaotic scene with people fleeing the area, highlighting the **urgency** and **fear** that gripped the mall during the event. Authorities quickly responded to ensure public safety and investigate the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the ammunition.  

This incident has sparked discussions about **security measures** in public spaces and the potential risks associated with unexploded ordnance in urban areas.

Imagens mostram grupo de jovens a correr no Centro Comercial Colombo, um dos mais movimentados de Lisboa. PSP encontrou "um invólucro de uma munição não deflagrada".

Chaos Erupts in Lisbon's Colombo Shopping Center After Unexploded Ammunition Discovery

## António Vitorino's Call for Stability

Former European Commissioner **António Vitorino** emphasized the need for **common sense** in finding a solution for Portugal that ensures **stability**. He expressed greater concern about the **day after the elections** than the elections themselves.

> “We will know [if we will have elections in May] tomorrow [Tuesday]. I hope there is common sense and a solution that guarantees stability. Elections are legitimate. What worries me more is the day after the elections,” stated Vitorino.

## Current Political Climate

Speaking in **Vila Nova de Gaia** at a conference titled **“Immigration: The Challenge of Proximity”**, Vitorino refrained from commenting on the current political situation in Portugal or whether it could have been avoided, reiterating only the **legitimacy of elections**.

> “Elections are a legitimate way to resolve deadlock situations,” he noted, while still contemplating a potential candidacy for the **Presidency of the Republic**.

The political crisis at hand may lead to the collapse of the **PSD/CDS government** under Luís Montenegro if the **confidence motion** presented by the minority government fails.

## The Role of Political Dialogue

Vitorino stressed that it is the responsibility of political leaders to define the rules of the game and what can be expected from electoral outcomes. 

> “In democracy, dialogue between political parties is fundamental. If there is a deadlock or an unyielding situation, elections serve as a means of resolution,” he concluded.

This Monday marks what could be the last **Council of Ministers** meeting of the current government, as parliament is set to debate a confidence motion that is expected to be rejected by the **PS** and **Chega**.

### Tensions Among Political Leaders

At 21:00, the **PS** will hold a national political committee meeting in Lisbon, following a gathering between Socialist leader **Pedro Nuno Santos** and district federation leaders.

During a **Women’s Day lunch** in Maia, Porto, Montenegro stated that he sees no alternative to **early elections**, asserting his responsibility to prevent Portugal from becoming mired in controversy. 

In response, Santos accused the Prime Minister of dragging the country into turmoil, asserting that the right-wing government can never gain the **confidence** of the Socialists.

### Implications of a Confidence Vote

If the confidence vote fails, it will lead to the **resignation of the government**. The President of the Republic has indicated that possible dates for early legislative elections could be **May 11 or 18**.

The current political crisis began in February with allegations regarding **Luís Montenegro’s family business**, raising concerns about compliance with public office incompatibility rules. Following weeks of allegations and two failed motions of censure against the government, Montenegro announced a confidence motion on **March 5**.

O antigo comissário europeu António Vitorino pediu esta segunda-feira "bom senso" para que se encontre uma solução para o país que "garanta estabilidade", apontando que se preocupa mais com o dia a seguir às eleições.

António Vitorino Warns: The Real Challenge Begins After Elections in Portugal

### Sócrates' Accusations Against the Public Prosecutor

**José Sócrates**, the former Prime Minister, has made serious allegations against the **Public Prosecutor's Office** (MP), claiming it acts differently depending on which party is in power. In an opinion piece published in the *Diário de Notícias*, he referred to how, in **November 2023**, the judiciary initiated a criminal process against **António Costa** based on reasons that remain unclear. He stated, “The government fell, the absolute majority faded, and five months later the right returned to power. A perfect coup.”

### Discrepancies in Investigations

Sócrates emphasized that the treatment was not the same for **Luís Montenegro**, asserting that the current Prime Minister received payments from private groups during his term, yet the MP did not pursue any investigation into this matter. “The country learned that the current Prime Minister received fees from private groups throughout his tenure — and the Public Prosecutor opened no investigation,” he remarked.

### Political Crisis and Double Standards

He pointed out that these payments could lead to a political crisis, stating, “It’s not just the payments, but the political motivation behind criminal investigations: against socialist governments, there is **all violence**; against PSD governments, there is **all understanding**.” 

### Uninvestigated Suspicions

Sócrates also recalled **Pedro Passos Coelho**, suggesting that Brazilian authorities had shared suspicions with Portuguese officials regarding a political campaign linked to **André Gustavo Vieira da Silva**. He lamented that this specific suspicion has never been investigated, saying, “Ten years have passed, but the behavior remains the same: the payments do not warrant investigation.” He concluded by highlighting the **dual moral crisis** within penal institutions, where one side investigates everything while the other conceals it, with politics determining the difference.

Ex-primeiro-ministro recordou como, em novembro de 2023, a Justiça avançou para um processo-crime contra António Costa "com fundamentos que ainda hoje não se conhecem exatamente"

Sócrates Accuses Public Prosecutor of Political Bias in Investigations Against Former Leaders

**A decisive week** is unfolding for Portugal's political landscape, as the government prepares for a crucial confidence vote. The **Council of Ministers** convenes this morning at the official residence of the Prime Minister in **Palácio de São Bento**, just ahead of the parliamentary debate scheduled for Tuesday, where the confidence motion presented by the government will be discussed and voted on. If the **PS** and **Chega** maintain their current stances, the motion is likely to be **rejected**. 

**Luis Montenegro**, the leader of the opposition, has stated that there seems to be **no alternative** to early legislative elections, emphasizing his responsibility to ensure that **Portugal does not become mired in turmoil**. He stressed, **"My responsibility, it seems there is no alternative to this, is to return to the Portuguese the ability they alone have to choose what they want for Portugal."**  

In response to Montenegro's remarks, the **Secretary-General of the PS**, **Pedro Nuno Santos**, accused him of wanting to **drag the country down**, asserting that the minority government will **never have the trust** of the largest opposition party. 

On Sunday, **Infrastructure Minister Miguel Pinto Luz** claimed that the socialists would be responsible for triggering new elections, urging Montenegro to allow the government to finish its program from the **2024 elections**. 

Tonight, at 21:00, the **PS National Political Committee** will meet, following a gathering of Pedro Nuno Santos with district federation leaders. The leader of the Lisbon Urban Federation, **Carla Tavares**, emphasized that the party is **absolutely cohesive** and urged the government to withdraw the confidence motion. 

Meanwhile, **André Ventura**, leader of Chega, reiterated that there are **no conditions** to support the confidence motion. From the **Left Bloc**, **Mariana Mortágua** accused the Prime Minister of being overly focused on his political survival. In contrast, **Paulo Raimundo**, Secretary-General of the **PCP**, described the government's recent calls regarding the confidence motion as **pressure and blackmail**. 

This political crisis began in February following a report by *Correio da Manhã* regarding **Spinumviva**, a family business linked to Montenegro, raising concerns about compliance with public office incompatibility regulations. The **Assembly of the Republic** President, **José Pedro Aguiar-Branco**, called for the approval of the confidence motion in the name of the **national interest**. 

The government has previously survived two motions of censure from **Chega** and the **PCP**. 

![Political Meeting](https://cdn-images.rtp.pt/icm/noticias/images/a0/a05be3df8f7e0a60b058f24052df5053?w=860&q=90)

Está a começar uma semana decisiva para o edifício político do país. O Governo tem marcada para a manhã desta segunda-feira, véspera da discussão e da votação da moção de confiança anunciada por Luís Montenegro, uma derradeira reunião do Conselho de Ministros. À noite reúne-se a Comissão Política Nacional do PS.


Unprecedented Rainfall Boosts Algarve Reservoirs: A 20-Year High in Water Levels

Summary:

Significant Increase in Water Reserves

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