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Algarve motorcaravanning scheme launched

motorhomesilvesfinedThe Algarve now has a network of authorised motorcaravan sites with the launch of the Algarve Motorhome Support Network (RAARA).

The network was launched in Espiche last week and the tourist board has produced a leaflet for travellers which lists the parking sites and offers some useful hints.

Portugal on board with Paris COP21 climate agreement

droughtPortugal’s government is satisfied with the Paris deal on climate change that calls on everyone to reduce damaging emmissions.

The Secretary of State for Environment said today that the document calls on all countries to contribute in a legally binding manner.

Angola's Isabel dos Santos reacts to corruption allegations

ISABELDOSSANTOSThe Angolan businesswoman Isabel dos Santos appears not best pleased the she has been included in the Transparency International list of the 15 cases that most symbolise corruption in the world.

The daughter of the president of Angola has issued a statement released by Fidequity* which commented -

"Isabel dos Santos is an independent businesswoman and a private investor, only representing her own interests. The investments Isabel dos Santos has made in Angolan and Portuguese companies are transparent and have been made through transactions based on the arm's length principle, involving external entities such as banks and reputable law firms."

UK buy-to-let - the shine wears off

britishcoastA series of tax measures brought in by the British government has prompted one of the country’s largest buy-to-let landlords to sell their entire property portfolio of 900 houses.

Fergus and Judith Wilson, former maths teachers, plan to sell the properties, all in Ashford, Maidstone and Folkestone in Kent, and realise £250 million.

Golden Visa property purchases causing hotspots

lisbon2Lisbon’s Expo area already has seen property prices above pre-crisis levels at over €6,000 per square meter. In downtown Oporto there has been a 60% rise in prices since 2009.

In the Algarve, prices also are more expensive, partly due to "strong demand from the British and French, thanks to tax incentives" offered by the government.

Branson returns to Majorca

bransonmallorcaSir Richard Branson has said that he is buying back a 400-acre estate on the island 13 years after he sold it.

The sale of the Son Bunyola estate was prompted by a row over planning permission with the local council. Former merchant banker Christian Hore purchased it in 2003.

Pakistan wants its diamond back

toweroflondonThe fabled Koh-i-noor diamond, which has been in the possession of the British Royal Family since 1850, was once the largest known diamond in the world.

It is one of the centrepieces of the Crown Jewels.

Monteiro's €30,000 a month Novo Banco contract under scrutiny by Left Bloc MPs

sergiomonteiro2The Left Bloc wants to look at the contract between Sérgio Monteiro (pictured) and the Resolution Fund, questioning why details of his €30,000 a month deal have not been published online.

MP Mariana Mortágua has filed a Left Bloc application at the Bank of Portugal demanding access to the formal contract that pays the former Secretary of State around €30,000 a month for a year to find a buyer for Novo Banco.