FCO issues 'terrorist' travel advice for Brits visiting Portugal

fcoThe UK's Foreign & Commonwealth Office has issued an alert for those travelling to Portugal whom, it claims, should be on the look-out for terrorists.
 
British citizens travelling to Portugal are advised to remain "particularly vigilant" for a possible terrorist threat but no hint is given as to what, particularly, to look out for.

Ryanair blames cabin crew strike on its competitors

ryanair13Ryanair was forced to cancel at least 20 flights to and from Portugal on Thursday, as cabin crew went on strike.
 
Last December, the Irish company finally agreed to recognise trade unions as a way of avoiding Christmas strike chaos, with Chief Executive Michael O’Leary later saying he was expecting localised strike action this year.

Communist Party’s 'Algarve rail improvements' proposal approved by parliament

railwayclockThe Portuguese Communist Party’s draft resolution, "For the improvement of rail transport in the Algarve" has been approved in parliament, with a favourable vote from the ruling socialists.
 
The draft resolution, which now becomes a parliamentary resolution, proposed that the State completes the electrification of the Algarve line for the 'Lagos - Tunes' and 'Faro - Vila Real de Santo António' sections of track, within the original deadlines.

GNR warnings to be issued after March 31 scrubland clearance deadline

FireGoisEaster Monday heralds the GNR’s inspection phase to see how well property and landowners have done in clearing scrubland and trees around their buildings, by the side of roads and along paths.
 
From April 2nd, warnings can be issued by the GNR to those who have failed in their civic duties and marks the date from which councils can undertake the work necessary, later charging landowners for their efforts.

Government accused of lying over Novo Banco guarantees

moneydownthedrainCDS-PP Vice-President, Cecília Meireles, said that "the problem with the Novo Banco sale, negotiated by the current Government, is that a blanket public guarantee was being negotiated."
 
The CDS-PP stated  today that the government's assurances that the sale of Novo Banco would have "no impact on the public accounts or on taxpayers" were "not true" as can be seen by the fallout after yesterday’s announcement of a €1.4 billion loss at the now privately owned bank.

Catastrophe avoided - water levels in Alentejo dams save regional agriculture

santaclaradamThe highest rainfall for nearly 20 years has restored water levels in the dams of the Alentejo and prevented a "catastrophe" for farmers but this water must be "used efficiently," warns the Portuguese Environment Agency.
 
"It was a blessing that fell from the sky" and, "at this moment, water availability is greater for agriculture, but not unlimited," said André Matoso, director of the Alentejo Hydrographic Regional Administration.

GNR and Guardia Civil focus on Monte Gordo the Easter

GuadiaCivilTraficoPortugal GNR and Spain’s Guardia Civil are joining forces for 'Operation Easter.'
 
GNR patrols from Tavira will be working alongside officers from the Guardia Civil on March 30 and April 1, focusing on the Monte Gordo area.

Desidério Silva challenged for Algarve tourism's top job

desideriosilvaThe Algarve's socialists are to put forward a candidate to challenge Desidério Silva who seeks to have his 5 year mandate extended as president of the regional tourist board.
 
Regional newspaper, Barlavento, has suggested Paulo Neves (who already has held the position), Fernando Anastácio and João Fernandes but no selection has yet been made to challenge Silva.