### Major Changes at the Centro Cultural de Belém

In a surprising move, the **Minister of Culture** has removed **Francisca Carneiro Fernandes** from her position as president of the **Centro Cultural de Belém (CCB)**, just under a year after her appointment. The Minister cited the **need for a new direction** for the foundation as the reason for this decision.

Taking her place is **Nuno Vassallo e Silva**, an esteemed art historian and the director of the French delegation of the **Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation**. This shift in leadership has raised eyebrows, particularly among CCB employees, who express concerns that the organization may become **less influential** as a result of this change.

The CCB has long been a pivotal institution in Portugal's cultural landscape, and many are watching closely to see how this new leadership will influence its future initiatives and direction.

Ministra da Cultura afastou Francisca Carneiro Fernandes, nomeada há menos de um ano, invocando “necessidade de imprimir nova orientação” à fundação. Trabalhadores dizem que o CCB fica mais pequeno.

Cultural Shake-Up: Nuno Vassallo e Silva Takes Over as President of Centro Cultural de Belém

### Finance Minister's Interview Highlights

In a recent interview with RTP, **Finance Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmento** expressed strong confidence that the government will reach an agreement with the **firefighters** despite recent protests in **Lisbon**. He emphasized the need for **balance** among various public service careers.

![Image of Joaquim Miranda Sarmento](https://cdn-images.rtp.pt/icm/noticias/images/75/7526b6d32bdc6583e43afc4de4db7623?w=860&q=90&rect=0,164,1391,763)
*Joaquim Miranda Sarmento criticized "executive decisions that Parliament should not have made".*

### Budget Concerns

Regarding the **2024 State Budget**, Sarmento accused the **Socialist Party (PS)** of teaming up with **Chega** to add **€1 billion** in expenses, arguing that they were acting as if they could replace the government. He pointed out that the proposed increase for starting firefighters' salaries—**€360 by 2027**—is comparable to that of security forces.

He also addressed warnings from the **Bank of Portugal**'s governor, **Mário Centeno**, concerning the increase in current expenses, attributing most to **decisions made by the previous government**.

### Economic Growth Outlook

Sarmento assured that state spending remains **"controlled"** and predicted a **positive economic evolution** in **2025**. He mentioned that a proposed **1% reduction in corporate tax (IRC)**, as part of the 2025 budget, could yield significant results based on economic theory.

![Economic Growth](https://cdn-images.rtp.pt/icm/images/34/3477c549225aa02167a8031ec93885f7_N.jpg?w=860&q=90)

He reiterated the government's goal to further reduce the **IRC rate** and highlighted that the upcoming budget is favorable as it **does not increase any taxes** and reduces several.

### Critique of Parliamentary Decisions

However, he criticized the parliament for limiting the government's discretionary power through unilateral decisions, including abolishing tolls on former **Scut** highways and cutting **VAT on electricity**, which he deemed beyond their role. He emphasized that this budget **"holds PS and Chega accountable"**.

### TAP Privatization Plans

On the topic of **TAP**, the national airline, Sarmento confirmed the government's intention to privatize by **2025** but stated there is no rush, prioritizing the achievement of objectives over speed.

For those interested, the full interview can be viewed [here](https://www.rtp.pt/play/p12659/e813831/grande-entrevista).

O ministro das Finanças mostrou-se na última noite convicto, em entrevista à RTP, de que o Executivo vai chegar a um acordo com os bombeiros sapadores, mesmo depois dos protestos desta semana em Lisboa. Joaquim Miranda Sarmento colocou a tónica no equilíbrio entre carreiras na máquina do Estado. Quando ao Orçamento do Estado para o próximo ano, acusou o PS de, em aliança com o Chega, ter acrescentado mil milhões de euros em despesa, considerando "que se podia substituir ao Governo".


Finance Minister Confident of Agreement with Firefighters Amid Protests

## Where is your favourite destination and why?
My most recent discovery is **Alentejo** in rural Portugal, which remains **unspoilt** and largely **undiscovered**. Its **natural beauty** and **amazing wine** are a significant draw, and I would love to return to explore the **vineyards** and indulge in proper **wine tasting**.

## When was the last time you were there, and who were you with?
I visited in the summer with my husband Nadeem for a few **sunny, relaxing days**.

## Where do you like to stay there?
I adore **São Lourenço do Barrocal**, a stunning property reminiscent of **Architectural Digest**. Once an industrial commune, it now sits among **vineyards**, **cork trees**, and **orchards**. The design, food, and the **authenticity** of the place, which harmonizes with nature, captured my heart.

![Ravinder Bhogal](https://static.standard.co.uk/2024/12/04/16/50/PRI178852190.png?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)

## What has been your favourite meal there?
The barbecue restaurant at the hotel is unforgettable. The **organic estate** serves dishes like **barbecue pork belly** with a crunch that’s off-the-charts and **tender vegetarian sides**, including barbecued avocado, which was a first for me.

## Where would you go for breakfast, lunch and supper?
Breakfast is a lavish spread of **fruits**, **charcuterie**, **local cheeses**, and **organic honey**. For lunch, I recommend **Hortelão**, a slow food restaurant with pool views, and for dinner, **Lagoa ò Marin Melides** for seafood rice with breathtaking ocean views.

## Favourite place for a drink?
**Tatiana**, who runs the bar at São Lourenço do Barrocal, creates cocktails using herbs and flowers from the estate, showcasing a **garden-to-glass philosophy** that’s incredibly impressive.

![Home-grown tomato soup at the Sao Lourenco do Barrocal](https://static.standard.co.uk/2024/12/04/16/31/SEI231217326.jpeg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)

## What would you do if you only had 24 hours there?
I would explore **Monsaraz**, a medieval mountain village with stunning views of the Atlantic. We enjoyed a drink while soaking in the panoramic scenery.

## What is the one unmissable thing you recommend doing?
Visiting the **ceramics centre** is a must. I recommend bringing an **empty suitcase** for all the beautiful pottery you’ll want to buy. It’s an adventure in itself!

## Where do you like to let your hair down?
I enjoy relaxing in my hotel suite, allowing for an early bedtime to wake up refreshed for a morning stroll.

## Who do you call to have a good time there?
I would invite friends **Nitin Sawhney** and his partner **Elle** for a perfect blend of food and adventure, with Nitin bringing his guitar.

![Alemais](https://static.standard.co.uk/2024/12/04/16/14/SEI231217422.jpeg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)

## Favourite shops?
The hotel shop is a treasure trove of **Portuguese designers**, local ceramics, textiles, wines, and honeys. I couldn’t resist buying a **giant cork tray**, beautiful **ceramic pieces**, and more.

## The one thing you would bring home as a souvenir?
You can’t visit Alentejo without purchasing its stunning **ceramics**. They’re affordable and beautiful, with many pieces priced under £10.

## Your favourite beauty spot?
The view from the top of **Monsaraz** is breathtaking and unforgettable.

## Your packing essential?
My essentials include **Jurlique skincare**, **Mauli supreme skin serum**, and **Blink Brow** products for perfectly groomed brows.

## A song that reminds you of the place?
I cherish the **sounds of nature** here, from bird calls to the buzzing of bees. It’s a refreshing change from my usual podcast-filled walks.

## Your dress code for the destination?
I favor **cotton dresses** and **flat sandals** for comfort, along with **kaftans** for easy styling from beach to evening.

![Packing Essentials](https://static.standard.co.uk/2024/12/04/16/28/SEI231217718.jpeg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)

## Building you would like to live in?
If possible, I’d love to move into **São Lourenço do Barrocal**. The ambiance is simply enchanting.

## Do you have a top wellness tip for the area?
The spa at São Lourenço do Barrocal offers **Susanne Kaufmann treatments** and uses local flora for an indulgent experience.

The restaurateur shares an undiscovered idyll of sun-dappled streets, incredible local wine and highly covetable ceramics

Discover the Hidden Gem of Alentejo: Ravinder Bhogal's Enchanting Experience in Portugal

**'Without journalism, there is no democracy,'** chanted dozens of workers from Trust in News (TIN) during a protest in Lisbon, highlighting the crisis faced by the company, which owns 16 publications, including **Visão**, **Jornal de Letras**, and **Caras**. On the day the company was declared insolvent, employees remain hopeful about preserving their publications and the **140 jobs** at stake.

At 6 PM on Wednesday, several journalists from TIN gathered on the steps of the **Largo Camões** statue, holding signs with messages like **'Let us work,' 'The keyboards will not stop,'** and **'Do not let Visão die in darkness.'**

**Clara Teixeira**, a union representative from Visão, expressed confidence in the possibility of maintaining the titles, pointing out that the publications have **subscribers, newsstand sales,** and **advertising**. While acknowledging the **difficult situation**, she emphasized the workers' call to **society, readers, advertisers,** and potential buyers to invest in the group.

**'Every time a title closes, pluralism is lost,'** noted Teixeira, while **Manuel Halpern**, a journalist from Jornal de Letras, shared optimism that some proposals have already emerged for certain titles.

Workers believe there are conditions to keep the publications alive and are determined not to give up. **'We will not lower our arms,'** they reiterated during various speeches.

Hours before the protest, TIN was declared insolvent by the **Lisbon West Judicial Court**, a decision that did not surprise the workers, as the group had its **Special Revitalization Plan (PER)** rejected by tax authorities on November 5, and management announced plans for insolvency on November 12.

Following the insolvency declaration, **André Fernando de Sá Correia Pais** was appointed by the court as the insolvency administrator. **'The administrator will decide whether to continue publishing titles'** until a new buyer potentially arrives, explained Teixeira. **'Everything is open, anything can happen,'** remarked Halpern, expressing uncertainty about the administrator's decisions.

TIN's debt exceeds **32 million euros**, with over half owed to the state. Salary and subsidy payments to employees have been delayed since November of the previous year. Reflecting on past actions, Halpern suggested that workers should have protested earlier, as they were misled by the previous administration, led by former journalist **Luís Delgado**, who promised capital injections that never materialized.

Support for the workers came from readers, journalists from other media outlets, and political figures, including **António Filipe** from the PCP and **João Ferreira**, a Lisbon city councilor. In statements to PÚBLICO, Ferreira noted that workers have reached a **'limit situation,'** facing **delayed salaries** and **unacceptable working conditions**. He argued that such situations further impoverish media pluralism, impacting the **quality of information** produced and, consequently, the **quality of democracy** itself.

Dezenas de trabalhadores da Trust in News (detentora de 16 títulos, como a Visão e o Jornal de Letras) manifestaram-se para denunciar a crise vivida na empresa, que foi declarada insolvente.

Trust in News Workers Rally: 'Let Us Work' Amid Company Insolvency Crisis

## Workers Protest for Job Security

On Wednesday, **Trust in News**, the group behind **16 publications** including **Visão**, **Exame**, and **Jornal de Letras**, was declared insolvent. This announcement has sparked significant concern among employees, who are now facing **salary delays** and uncertainty about their job security.

![Protest Image](https://asset.skoiy.com/tsfiqogiwkcugyug/tajvqlonxgbt.jpg?w=1852&q=80)
*José Sena Goulão/Lusa*

The protest highlights the **ongoing struggles** within the media industry, where financial stability is increasingly hard to maintain. Workers are advocating for their rights and demanding assurances about their employment and outstanding wages, emphasizing the need for **transparency** and **support** from management.

Despite the challenges, the employees remain hopeful for a resolution that will safeguard their positions and ensure timely payment of their salaries.

O grupo que detém 16 títulos, entre os quais a Visão, Exame, Exame Informática, Jornal de Letras, Caras, Activa, TV Mais, foi esta quarta-feira considerado insolvente

Workers Rally in Lisbon: Trust in News Faces Insolvency and Wage Delays

**Lisbon's City Council** has taken significant action to regulate **short-term rentals** by approving a new limit on the issuance of licenses. Under the proposal from Mayor **Carlos Moedas**, new licenses can only be issued when the city's overall **occupancy rate** drops below **5%**; currently, it stands at **7.2%**.  

The registration of new **local accommodations** has already been on hold due to a temporary six-month suspension. The recent decision aims to tighten regulations further.  

### New Licensing Rules  
The new rules stipulate that:  
- **New short-term rentals** can only be registered in neighborhoods where the occupancy rate is below **2.5%**.  
- In areas with occupancy between **2.5% and 5%**, licenses will only be granted under exceptional circumstances, such as registering new rooms or converting long-vacant buildings that serve a social purpose.  

If any neighborhood exceeds a **5% occupancy rate**, no new registrations will be allowed, even if the city's overall rate is below the threshold.  

### Additional Measures  
The proposal also seeks to limit **short-term rentals** to properties designated for residential use, restricting commercial activities within these accommodations. Moreover, it clarifies that the registration of these properties is **personal and non-transferable**.  

Although the proposal included the establishment of a **Local Accommodation Ombudsman** to mediate disputes, this was rejected during the voting process.  

These new regulations received approval just a day after the **Lisbon Municipal Assembly** accepted a local referendum on short-term rentals, aiming to halt activities and new licenses in residential buildings.

Executivo de Carlos Moedas aprova em reunião de câmara novo limite às emissões de alojamento local. Agora, segundo a proposta, apenas poderão ser emitidas licenças quando a taxa de ocupação na cidade estiver abaixo dos 5% - neste momento, está nos 7,2%

Lisbon Takes Bold Step to Limit Short-Term Rentals: New License Restrictions Unveiled

### New Regulations for Local Accommodation in Lisbon

In a recent decision, the **Lisbon City Council** has approved new regulations governing **Local Accommodation (AL)**, coinciding with the assembly's earlier move to conduct a **referendum** on limiting AL activities in residential buildings. 

The council emphasizes that these changes are a **significant step** towards achieving a better balance between urban functions and uses. The new rules aim to establish **clearer and stricter guidelines** for the licensing of new accommodation establishments across the city.

Key changes include:  
- **Lower ratios** between local accommodation activities and housing.  
- A cap of **5% on AL** in Lisbon, down from the current **7.2%**.  
- T2 or larger residences may now offer accommodation in a **‘room’ modality**.  

The council believes these measures will enhance the quality of life for residents while addressing the growing concerns about the impact of short-term rentals on housing availability.

Haverá rácios mais baixos entre actividade e habitação. Lisboa não poderá ter mais de 5% de AL. Neste momento, tem 7,2%. Habitações T2 ou maiores poderão ter alojamento na “modalidade quarto”.

Lisbon's New Local Accommodation Rules: What You Need to Know

## Portugal's Housing Inflation Crisis

The **Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)** has identified **Portugal** as the **fifth highest** country experiencing inflation in housing costs. This revelation underscores the ongoing challenges many residents face in securing affordable housing.

### Current Economic Landscape

In its latest economic forecast update, the OECD highlights that **housing costs** are a significant driver of inflation in various countries. These costs have maintained a **persistent upward pressure** on inflation rates, affecting many economies, including Portugal.

### Key Factors Behind Rising Costs

The report indicates that the **supply of housing** has not kept pace with the population growth, significantly influenced by recent **immigration trends**. The **strong demand for housing**, coupled with the recovery of labor mobility post-pandemic, has sustained high prices despite stricter monetary policies. Notable countries facing similar issues include the **United Kingdom, Canada, Australia,** and **Latvia**.

### Implications for the Future

The OECD warns that a lack of affordable housing in economically vibrant regions could hinder individuals from relocating there, potentially leading to **labor shortages**. Furthermore, as **interest rates** decline, housing prices may continue to rise unless there is a substantial increase in supply.

![Housing Inflation in Portugal](https://d1mnxluw9mpf9w.cloudfront.net/media/1078/4x3/1200.jpg)

This situation raises significant concerns for many residents and policymakers alike, as the struggle for affordable housing intensifies.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) places Portugal in fifth place among countries where inflation in housing costs remains high.

Cultural Shake-Up: Nuno Vassallo e Silva Takes Over as President of Centro Cultural de Belém

Summary:

Major Changes at the Centro Cultural de Belém

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Workers Rally in Lisbon: Trust in News Faces Insolvency and Wage Delays

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Lisbon's New Local Accommodation Rules: What You Need to Know

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