### Significant Surge in Housing Prices

The **median price of houses** in Portugal has seen a remarkable increase, now surpassing **€1700 per square meter** for the first time on record. This trend has been consistent for over a decade, becoming more pronounced since the last financial crisis. 

### Uninterrupted Growth

Despite the disruptions caused by the **COVID-19 pandemic**, housing prices did not see any declines; instead, they continued to rise. The situation has escalated, with the **last five years** witnessing an increase of over **60%** in housing prices across the country, with **27 municipalities** experiencing prices that have doubled or come close to doubling.

This trend underscores the ongoing housing crisis in Portugal, presenting significant challenges for prospective homebuyers and raising concerns regarding affordability across the nation.

No segundo trimestre deste ano, o preço mediano das casas voltou a crescer a ritmo mais acelerado e ultrapassou, pela primeira vez desde que há registos, a fasquia dos 1700 euros por metro quadrado.

House Prices in Portugal Have Doubled in 27 Municipalities Over the Last Five Years

### Madeira Approves Regional Minimum Wage Increase

The **Madeira Legislative Assembly** has unanimously approved the proposal from the **Regional Government** to set the **regional minimum wage at €915** for 2025, marking an increase of **€65** over the current rate. This represents a **7.6% increase** compared to the existing minimum wage of **€850**, making it the largest hike in the country.

**Ana Sousa**, the Regional Secretary for Inclusion, Work, and Youth, emphasized that the proposal balances the **sustainability of businesses**, **family income**, **social cohesion**, **dignified work**, and the **job market**. The new wage surpasses the **national minimum wage of €870** and the **Azores' €913.50** for 2025.

Current minimum wages stand at **€820** nationally and **€861** in the Azores. Sousa highlighted that this increase positions Madeira as the leader in the **Minimum Monthly Guaranteed Remuneration** across **Portugal**, including its islands.

Despite supporting the wage increase, opposition parties such as **PS**, **JPP**, **Chega**, **IL**, and **PAN** criticized the government's historical refusal to consider increases above **3%**, labeling this latest move as **electioneering** amid budget discussions.

The **2025 regional budget** faced rejection during discussions, with opposing parties voting against it. The **PSD** and **CDS-PP**, who have a parliamentary agreement, were the only ones to vote in favor. Sousa attributed the wage increase to the region's economic growth, noting a record **126,000 people** employed and an unemployment rate of **5.7%**, lower than the national average of **6.1%**. The region's **GDP** is projected to grow significantly, exceeding **€6.6 billion** in 2023, with expectations to reach **€7.1 billion** this year.

The opposition argued that the economic growth should also translate into an increase in the **average salary**. During the meeting, the parliament also unanimously approved a new **career structure for Home Support Technicians**, affecting around **500** professionals who assist **3,171** elderly individuals. Sousa stated that this recognition is crucial for those ensuring the well-being of the elderly, allowing them to age at home with dignity.

However, she cautioned that the rejection of the **2025 budget** could create challenges in implementing this new structure. The initiative aims to create a structured career with clear rights and responsibilities, including ongoing training and fair compensation. Additionally, the **Social Security Institute** of Madeira is preparing to recruit **80 more professionals** for this sector.

All parties showed support for the new career structure, but the opposition criticized the delay in its implementation, which was promised back in **2017**.

A Assembleia Legislativa da Madeira aprovou hoje a proposta do Governo Regional que fixa o salário mínimo regional em 915 euros em 2025, mais 65 euros do que o valor atualmente em vigor, o maior aumento do país.

Madeira Sets New Regional Minimum Wage at €915: A Historic Increase

### A New Challenge in the 51st Volta ao Algarve

A **time trial** finishing at Malhão will determine the winner of the **51st Volta ao Algarve**, taking place from **February 19 to 23**. This year’s route features **bold innovations**, including a **'new' ascent to Fóia**.

The highlight of the revamped **'Algarvia'** course, which retains familiar start and finish points from previous years, is undoubtedly the unprecedented **time trial** in the fifth and final stage, concluding at Malhão.

Before reaching the highest point in Loulé, where a **second-category mountain count** will be established, cyclists will cover **19.6 kilometers** starting from Salir, with the first **17 kilometers** being predominantly flat.

In **2025**, the traditional ascent to Malhão will be completed solo by the cyclists, who will likely switch to **time trial bikes** at the foot of the climb before tackling the **2,600 meters** of ascent with an average gradient of **9.2%**.

The innovative bets of this **51st edition**, revealed today in **Faro**, do not end with the final stage, which is crucial for determining the successor to **Belgian Remco Evenepoel**—who is expected to miss the next edition due to a serious fall last week—though the start of this unique Portuguese stage race in the **UCI ProSeries** circuit mirrors previous years.

On **February 19**, **Portimão** will once again host the start of the first stage, as it has since 2022, with the peloton cycling **190 kilometers** to **Lagos**, where the **Avenida dos Descobrimentos** will witness a sprint finish.

The first novelty arrives the next day in the second stage, beginning in **Lagoa** and extending **177.6 kilometers** to the highest point in the Algarve, **Fóia**, in the **Monchique** municipality. Unlike previous editions, the final ascent, stretching **8.4 kilometers**, will be from the **north side** of the mountain, featuring less consistent gradients and some more challenging sections, particularly **3.5 kilometers** from the finish, with an average gradient of **10%**.

This new option also allows the peloton to link the final climb with the **Pomba ascent**, which is just **3,100 meters** from the initial slopes of Fóia.

The third stage brings back opportunities for sprinters, with cyclists departing from **Vila Real de Santo António** for a **183.5-kilometer** journey ending in **Tavira**. 

The fourth stage proves to be 'treacherous', with **175.2 kilometers** between **Albufeira** and **Faro** including three mountain counts in the last **50 kilometers**, a route favorable for both sprinters and classic specialists, without ruling out tactical moves from the general classification contenders.

By the end of the five stages, competitors will have covered a total of **745.9 kilometers**, with an overall ascent of **11,795 meters**.

'Algarvia' na estrada entre 19 e 23 de fevereiro

Get Ready for the Thrilling 51st Volta ao Algarve: New Challenges Await Cyclists!

### A New Era for the PCP's Central Committee

The **Portuguese Communist Party (PCP)** is gearing up for a significant change in its **central committee**, aiming for a **younger, more diverse leadership**. The new committee, which will be voted on this weekend at the **PCP congress**, is designed to be slightly smaller and will feature a greater proportion of women.

If approved, the new committee will consist of **125 members**, including **37 women** (29.6%), marking an increase from the current 27.3%. This adjustment also reflects a decrease in the average age of committee members from **49 to 48 years**.

### Key Changes

The shift in demographics is notable, with **13 of the 25 new members being women**. Additionally, the number of members under 30 will rise from six to eight, while those over 60 will decrease from 31 to 24. The youngest members will be **Inês Guerreiro and Gonçalo Paixão**, both aged 23, while the oldest will remain **Jerónimo de Sousa** at 77.

In a recent interview, Sousa expressed his desire to make way for younger leaders, stating the need for a **"strengthening of the party's ranks"**. However, current leader **Paulo Raimundo** asserted that Sousa will remain involved in the party's direction.

### Continuity Amidst Change

Despite these changes, many familiar faces will stay on the committee, including **Paulo Raimundo**, **Paula Santos**, and **António Filipe**. The committee's new composition will see **28 departures** and **25 new entries**, including **Tânia Mateus**, who temporarily replaced Raimundo during his parental leave.

### Political Resolution Project

The political resolution project to be discussed at the congress emphasizes maintaining the committee's core characteristics while allowing for some reductions. It aims to blend experienced members with rising youth, alongside a **commitment to increasing women's participation**. The party also seeks to retain a strong representation of workers and employees within its leadership ranks.

Jerónimo de Sousa, ex-líder do PCP, tinha divulgado que preferia dar espaço aos jovens no comité central, mas vai manter-se na direcção do PCP, da qual será o membro mais velho.

PCP's Central Committee Set for Transformation: Youth and Gender Balance Take Center Stage

### Lagos Municipal Assembly Takes a Stand for Railway Investment

During the **1st Meeting** of its **Ordinary Session in December 2024**, held on **December 2**, the **Lagos Municipal Assembly** unanimously approved a motion regarding **investment in railway infrastructure and services in the Algarve**, presented by the **CDU Municipal Group**.

The CDU emphasizes that **rail transport** is the backbone of a true transport system, playing a crucial role in the **economic life of the country** by ensuring the circulation of goods and people, which brings tremendous benefits for the **environment** and **sustainable development** at local, regional, and national levels.

**Modernization of the Algarve Railway Line** should not be limited to its electrification, which is nearing completion. There is a pressing need to plan, schedule, secure funding, and most importantly, implement additional investments, as the delays span decades, with well-identified and largely consensual needs.

The economic development of the Algarve stands to benefit significantly from the proposed investments in **regional rail transport**, which include increased public investment in the region, improved mobility conditions, enhanced service quality, user satisfaction, and contributions to environmental issues.

With these proposed investments, the CDU envisions a **significant increase** in the importance of rail transport and an improvement in service quality for the population, which will have undeniable positive impacts on the conditions for **regional economic development**.

To fulfill its commitments to the Algarve population, the CDU proposes that the **Ministry of Finance** ensure the transfer of necessary funds to **IP - Infraestruturas de Portugal, S.A.** for the following investments in railway infrastructure and services in the Algarve:

- Finalization of modernization and electrification interventions for the Algarve line;
- Study and project development for a railway connection to the **University of Algarve** and **Faro Airport**, avoiding non-rail alternatives;
- Investment in reactivating the **Tunes junction**;
- Progress on high-speed connections from **Faro to Huelva and Seville** without dependence on the **Lisbon - Évora - Beja - Faro** link;
- Necessary investment for the Intercity service to reach **Vila Real de Santo António**, including platform adjustments;
- Investment in regional capacity for maintenance and repair of rolling stock, considering the need to replace current rolling stock with electric trains due to the electrification of the Algarve line, particularly focusing on the **CP workshops** in Vila Real de Santo António and valuing its workers;
- Investment aimed at improvements, such as station renovations, enhancement of facilities, upgrading stops, and resuming the process of eliminating level crossings.

In light of these terms, the **Lagos Municipal Assembly**, convened on **December 2, 2024**, resolves to:
- Publicly advocate for investment in railway infrastructure and services in the Algarve;
- Demand the Government expedite the transfer of necessary funds to **Infraestruturas de Portugal** to realize this railway investment;
- Send this motion to the Government, **Infraestruturas de Portugal, IP-SA**, other Municipal Chambers and Assemblies in the Algarve, and media outlets.

A Assembleia Municipal de Lagos na 1.ª Reunião da sua Sessão Ordinária de dezembro/2024, realizada no dia 2 de dezembro aprovou, por unanimidade, uma Moção sobre Investimento em infraestruturas e serviço ferroviário no Algarve, apresentada pelo Grupo Municipal da CDU.

Lagos Municipal Assembly Unanimously Approves Major Railway Infrastructure Investment in Algarve

## Free Transport Pass for Young People

The **free transport pass for all young people up to 23 years old** has seen a remarkable **31,000 new sign-ups** in the metropolitan areas of **Lisbon and Porto** during its first week of availability for non-students, as announced by the government on Thursday.

In the **Lisbon Metropolitan Area**, approximately **26,000 new registrations** were recorded, while **Porto** welcomed over **5,500 new beneficiaries** of the free public transport pass, which came into effect on **December 1st**, according to a statement from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing.

> “By extending this free pass to all young people up to 23 years old, regardless of their student status, the **Government ensures equality among all young people** in this age group,” the statement highlighted.

Previously, the pass was only available for students. This new measure is part of the **Green Mobility Package**, approved during the **Council of Ministers** on **October 4th**, involving an investment of **€40 million**, which is expected to benefit around **240,000 potential users**.

> “It is urgent to create habits that will lead us to a more sustainable planet, and we also have the obligation to create conditions for these practices to take root,” stated **Miguel Pinto Luz**, Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, in the communiqué.

To access this title, young individuals need only present their **citizen card** as proof of age. The activation and loading process has also been simplified through the **Andante** and **Navegante** mobile applications.

Na Área Metropolitana de Lisboa registaram-se cerca de 26.000 novas adesões e na do Porto há mais de 5.500 novos beneficiários do passe gratuito para jovens até aos 23 anos.

Free Pass for Young People in Portugal: 31,000 New Sign-Ups in Just One Week!

### **Digi's New Offering**

Portuguese **newcomer Digi** has officially launched its **Pro-Digi Fiber**, providing an unprecedented **10 Gbps symmetrical internet speeds** for only **EUR 15 per month** with a **3-month contract**. 

### **What’s Included?**

This incredible package comes with a **free Wi-Fi 7 router**, ensuring users experience **significantly faster downloads** and **smoother streaming**. This move is set to transform the internet landscape in Portugal, catering to both casual users and avid streamers alike.

Portuguese newcomer Digi has launched Pro-Digi Fiber, offering 10 Gbps symmetrical internet speeds for EUR 15 per month with a 3-month contract. This offering includes a free Wi-Fi 7 router, enabling significantly faster downloads and smoother streaming. 

Revolutionary 10 Gbps Internet Now Available in Portugal for Just €15!

## International Students Struggling with Visa Delays

**International students** in Portugal are facing significant challenges with visa delays, which are impacting their ability to attend classes. On average, students wait nearly **two months** for their visa, but some have reported waiting for **almost a year**. This issue has been raised to the attention of the government as it poses a major barrier to academic success.

Paulo Jorge Ferreira, president of the Council of Rectors and rector of the University of Aveiro, confirms that this delay is a widespread problem across **public universities**. The situation is particularly dire for foreign researchers who often abandon their positions due to visa issues. Ferreira highlights the excessive bureaucracy involved, which complicates matters for those needing to return home for family emergencies.

The **Polytechnic Institute of Bragança** (IPB) is also experiencing similar delays, especially affecting students from Brazil, Cape Verde, Angola, Mozambique, and Guinea, where obtaining timely visa authorization is nearly impossible. Students often pay registration fees and tuition without guaranteed visa approval, risking financial loss if their applications are denied.

## Lack of Government Response

The **Portuguese Association of Private Higher Education** (APESP) has identified over **60 international students** awaiting visas for master's programs. The situation is especially critical for students from India, where the Portuguese consulate in New Delhi has dozens of pending applications without responses.

Institutions like the **Santa Maria Health School** and **Atlântica University** have reported multiple students waiting for visas, with some missing nearly the entire first year of their master's programs. José Manuel Silva, president of APESP, has been seeking a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, but has received no response.

## Academic Impact on Students from PALOP

A recent report from Nova SBE and NOVAFRICA indicates that delays in visa processing are a **significant barrier** to academic success for students from **Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP)**. The study revealed that **93%** of students cited visa delays as a major reason for late arrivals, with **76%** stating it was the only reason.

## Proposed Solutions

To address these issues, researchers suggest that universities should release acceptance results earlier, ideally in May, allowing students to arrive in time for the start of the academic year. Additionally, prioritizing student visa applications at consulates could expedite processing times.

## Challenges Beyond Visa Delays

Once in Portugal, students face difficulties integrating into academic life. Many struggle to keep up with coursework, and **60%** reported challenges in finding housing. The high cost of living also forces **9.6%** of students to work more than **30 hours a week**, which can hinder their academic performance.

The overall situation highlights the need for systemic changes to support international students in Portugal more effectively.

Há quem espere quase um ano para receber o visto para estudar em Portugal – e esse é um dos principais impedimentos para virem estudar. Muitos alunos perdem meses de aulas sem direito a reembolso.

House Prices in Portugal Have Doubled in 27 Municipalities Over the Last Five Years

Summary:

Significant Surge in Housing Prices

Uninterrupted Growth

Comments

Join Our Community

Subscribe our newsletter to receive our daily digested news

PortugalToday.news

Other Latest News

Madeira Sets New Regional Minimum Wage at €915: A Historic Increase

Get Ready for the Thrilling 51st Volta ao Algarve: New Challenges Await Cyclists!

PCP's Central Committee Set for Transformation: Youth and Gender Balance Take Center Stage

Lagos Municipal Assembly Unanimously Approves Major Railway Infrastructure Investment in Algarve

Free Pass for Young People in Portugal: 31,000 New Sign-Ups in Just One Week!

Revolutionary 10 Gbps Internet Now Available in Portugal for Just €15!

International Students in Portugal Face Long Visa Delays: Nearly a Year of Waiting!

Other Latest News

Madeira Sets New Regional Minimum Wage at €915: A Historic Increase

Get Ready for the Thrilling 51st Volta ao Algarve: New Challenges Await Cyclists!

PCP's Central Committee Set for Transformation: Youth and Gender Balance Take Center Stage

Lagos Municipal Assembly Unanimously Approves Major Railway Infrastructure Investment in Algarve

Free Pass for Young People in Portugal: 31,000 New Sign-Ups in Just One Week!

Revolutionary 10 Gbps Internet Now Available in Portugal for Just €15!

International Students in Portugal Face Long Visa Delays: Nearly a Year of Waiting!