French air traffic controllers' strike causes holiday chaos

ryanairHundreds of holiday flights have been cancelled this weekend due to an air traffic controller strike in France.

Airlines have warned that additional flights will be delayed as a result.

Portugal's President collapses outside Church

PresidentFaintsPortugal’s President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, had his security detail in full operational mode today when he collapsed after visiting the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus in Braga.

He fainted at 12:48 and swiftly was carried by his entourage to a nearby hotel and then taken by ambulance to Braga Hospital where he was assessed.

Kids watching bullfights "are not affected" says TV Regulator

bullPortugal’s Media Regulatory Authority has issued an 'unfavorable' opinion on a Left Bloc proposal to delay TV broadcasts of bullfighting until after the children have gone to bed.

The ERC considers that these transmissions are, "an integral part of the Portuguese cultural heritage," and has opined that they do not affect children.

Weekend train strikes off as Unions sign agreement

trainStationSantaremTrain strikes planned for this weekend have been cancelled as the unions and government have reached an accord over single driver trains.

An agreement on railway safety has been signed by the Secretariat of State for Infrastructure and the six Trade Unions involved - FECTRANS-SNTSF, SFRCI, ASCEF, SINAFE, SINFA and SINFB.

Bank of Portugal bulletin notes fears over US trade war

bop2Portugal’s debt was €724.3 billion at the end of April, up €4.6 billion on March 2018. This a new high, with public sector debt primarily responsible as a result of issuing more debt through a banking syndicate.

The State’s borrowings were €322.5 billion to which can be added €401.8 billion in private sector borrowings, according to the Bank of Portugal’s latest statistical bulletin.

Parliament votes to scrap Fuel Tax Surcharge

petrolpumpDoom-laden Secretary of State for Finance, Ricardo Mourinho Felix, warned today that the abolition of Portugal's ISP fuel tax surcharge, "has a significant impact" and that "it will have to be compensated for in some way.”

On Thursday, parliament approved a proposal that should see an end to the fuel tax surcharge (ISP) after further analysis.

Tourist Board boss investigated over freebie Algarve holiday

beachBarImageThe head of Portugal’s northern tourism regional body is being investigated for taking an Algarve holiday, paid for by businessmen who received sponsorship money from public funds.

The president of Turismo do Porto e Norte de Portugal, Melchior Moreira, (pictured below), is suspected of having taken a vacation in the Algarve, courtesy of tourism business leaders who benefited from sponsorship deals.

Bonelli's eagle to publicise Sagres Bird Festival 2018

bonellieagleBird lovers will be flocking to Sagres on October 4th at the start of the four day ‘Bird Watching & Nature Activities Festival.’
 
The sky will be dotted with birds, and a remarkable 200 activities will be available in the Sagres area in a festival generally dedicated to nature, not just birds.