The Algarve’s appalling death rate as a result of road accidents has risen by 80% in the first seven months of the year compared to 2014.
Portugal’s National Road Safety Authority reports that road accident deaths across the region have gone from 15 to 25, another two can be added as a result of the head on collision last Sunday in Lagoa.
French drinking habits have changed so considerably that the majority of the population order an alcoholic drink less than once a week.
A survey showed that only 44% admitted to ordering a drink in a bar, café or restaurant once a week. When they do, they often chose an expensive drink, going for quality instead of quantity. French drink experts have termed this “premiumisation”.
The Prime Minister was followed by media as he strolled as naturally as possible at the start of his annual break in the Algarve.
Pedro Passos Coelho has left behind the high life of Lisbon, the cut and thrust of modern politics and is hoping to enjoy a holiday break with his family in the seaside resort of Manta Rota, Vila Real de Santo António.
Portugal’s Tax and Customs Authority has been granted authorisation to inspect, check and asses rough diamonds in a further attempt by international authorities to crack down on the illegal trade in ‘blood diamonds’.
On August 7th "Portugal became part of the secure chain implementing the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme for the international trade in rough diamonds in order to counter the trade in blood diamonds," read a statement from Paulo Núncio, the Secretary of State for Fiscal Affairs.
European investors appear to have been resuming their love affair with gold.
The increased buying is believed to be the result of uncertainty over Greece and Russia, expected rises in interest rates in the US and UK as well as the €1.1 trillion quantitative easing programme in operation now from the European Central Bank.
The Dona Maria II Bridge (pictured) in Lagos reopened on Monday evening three years and six months after being closed to traffic when judged by engineers to be close to collapse.
The work on the historic structure ended up going over budget and cost around €1 million, 65% of which was sent from Brussels and the balance paid for by Lagos ratepayers.
More people in Spain are spurning the two traditional political parties which have played ping pong with power since Franco’s death despite the plethora of corruption scandals hitting both.
Various opinion polls have indicated that the country is facing an unpredictable general election in early December.
Holders of commercial paper in Espiríto Santo Property have started to receive some of their funds as prosecutors have unblocked €7.3 million for distribution.
Those BES customers unwittingly holding commercial paper in the property company, rather than having their money safely on deposit as many had thought, are to receive a first tranche of 20% of the debt.
