Portuguese banker named in Isabel dos Santos corruption investigation found dead

corruption bankA Portuguese banker named by Angolan prosecutors as a suspect in a multimillion-dollar embezzlement probe involving Isabel dos Santos, Africa’s richest woman, has been found dead in Lisbon.

Vineyards act as an open-air laboratory, helping to set up the Douro’s sustainable future

vineyard robotWine producer Symington Family Estates is behind a recent initiative involving experimental vineyards in the Douro region, where they have been investigating the behaviour patterns of the different grape varieties, and their capacity to resist drought and hot weather, consequences already felt due to climate change.

Portuguese Ministry of Health introduces one-of-a-kind national telehealth plan

telehealth planPortugal is leading telehealth developments across the world with the newly introduced National Strategic Telehealth Plan (PENTS).

Olhão and Faro Councils take control of riverside areas from Docapesca

docapesca controlThe Faro dock and surrounding areas, the two shelter ports in the city of Olhão, and part of the Riverfront of Fuzeta are a handful areas whose transition from Docapesca management to the municipal authority will be negotiated, within the framework of a transfer process that began today.

Pesticide analysis in streams around Algarve avocado plantations show “50 times levels recommended by EU”

pesticide analysis

Laboratory tests taken of water in streams around expanding avocado plantations in the western Algarve have shown glyphosate readings – the pesticide linked to cancers in humans – 50 times greater than levels recommended by the EU.

Ryanair forced to pay Faro employee’s holiday and Christmas allowances

ryanair employeeAt the beginning of the month news came out revealing that Ryanair had refused to give an employee his holiday pay after being fired. Today, after the employee pursued legal action against the airline, Ryanair will have to pay the holiday and Christmas allowances to the former employee who was “fired without cause”.

Portugal probes Angola leaks as Eurobic bank distances itself from dos Santos

santos probePortuguese authorities said on Monday they had started investigating media reports concerning Angolan billionaire Isabel dos Santos, while a small bank closely associated with Africa’s richest woman, Eurobic, said it had decided to put an end to commercial relationships with entities she controls.

Racism in Portugal: Does the media disregard the country’s dark past?

racism portugalIn Portugal's parliamentary election last October, Romualda Fernandes, Beatriz Gomes Dias, and Joacine Katar Moreira made history by becoming the first women of African descent to be elected to Parliament. Dias, Gomes and Moreira all represent different political parties - the Socialist Party, Left Bloc and Livre, respectively - but their critiques of racism in Portuguese society have been credited with catalysing a debate that many see as long overdue.