### Traffic Blocked During Hotel Workers' Protest

The **protest by hotel workers in Madeira** took place between the **Casino da Madeira** and the **Regional Tourism Secretariat**, leading the **Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP)** to temporarily block traffic on the **Avenida do Infante**.

![Protest Image](https://static-storage.dnoticias.pt/www-assets.dnoticias.pt/images/configuration/LG/53e6eb4b-28b0-43fa-be55-2fd1747d1f2d.JPEG)

The disruption to vehicular traffic was not primarily due to the protesters, who chose to walk along the pedestrian path of the busy avenue. Instead, it was caused by a police officer accompanying the event in a police vehicle, moving at the same pace as the marchers, which led to the **inevitable blockage of normal traffic**.

Durante manifestação do Sindicato dos Trabalhadores da Hotelaria

Traffic Disruption in Madeira: Hotel Workers Protest Causes Police Intervention

## Minister Regrets Focus on Martim Moniz Incident

The Minister of Internal Administration expressed concern that the only topic of discussion is the police operation at Martim Moniz, stating, **"It's strange, there have been over a thousand police actions, and why is only this one being talked about?"** She questioned who is manipulating the narrative, asserting that **"it's certainly not us."**

## BE Questions Immigration as a National Threat

Fabian Figueiredo from the Left Bloc (BE) inquired whether the Minister sees immigrants as a **"threat to national security."** The Minister responded that she does not link immigration with crime and emphasized that **"crime is crime."** She found the insinuation to be almost a personal offense.

## Minister Insists on Non-Instrumentalization of Police Actions

Figueiredo also asked about the indicators the government uses to gauge public feelings of insecurity, given the government's directive to **"hyper-govern"** police actions. The Minister reiterated that **"it is the police forces and ASAE that provide these indicators and develop the operational strategy. We do not instrumentalize these operations."**

## Advancements in Bodycam Implementation

The Minister announced **"advances"** in the adjudication of bodycams for police use, stating that a Supreme Administrative Court ruling confirmed the decision of a lower court regarding a public tender related to police video surveillance and bodycams. She indicated that they could now proceed to the next steps.

## Ongoing Investigation into Odair Moniz's Death

The Minister revealed that investigations into the possible criminal and disciplinary responsibilities surrounding the death of Odair Moniz are still ongoing, and she awaits the results before making further comments. She condemned the **"unacceptable"** destruction of property, describing the past week as **"tragic."**

## Chega Questions Uniqueness of Martim Moniz Operation

Deputy Vanessa Barata from Chega clarified that her party does not view immigrants as enemies, but rather **"bandits and criminals."** She raised questions about the police operation at Martim Moniz, seeking clarity on whether it was unprecedented or part of ongoing actions. Another Chega deputy, Patrícia Carvalho, cited statistics indicating a rise in insecurity, arguing that the increase in crime cannot be solely linked to immigration due to the lack of nationality data in security reports.

## Blasco: Police Actions Not Voluntary

Margarida Blasco emphasized that police do not act on their own accord, referencing **52 complaints** from residents and workers in the area, which prompted the police to seek authorization for the operation from the Public Ministry.

## PSD Denies Linking Immigration to Crime

António Rodrigues from PSD sought to **"demystify"** the association of immigration with criminality, asserting that neither the government nor PSD has ever made that connection. He expressed that the police did not overreact during the Martim Moniz operation, calling the scene of people being searched **"normal."**

## Minister Acknowledges Increase in Hate Crimes

The Minister concurred with Deputy Isabel Moreira regarding the rise in **"hate crimes"** in Portugal and stressed the need for active measures to combat this issue, including educational initiatives in schools. She acknowledged the need for **"proximity police"** to address public safety effectively, noting a previous lack of investment in police resources.

## Clarifying Police Operations

The Minister clarified that the operation at Martim Moniz was a response to **"criminal indications"** in the area, such as knife use, and that judicial authorities monitored the searches without finding any irregularities. She emphasized that the operation was not mandated by the government but was based on existing indicators.

## Moreira Critiques Police Visibility

Isabel Moreira questioned the rationale behind the police's visible presence on the streets, arguing that if there were no indications of criminality, the actions could be seen as humiliating for the targeted immigrants.

## Accusations of Political Manipulation

The PCP accused the government of using security forces for political gain, referencing a recent press conference by the Prime Minister that aimed to enhance public perception of security through continued police actions. They argued that such **"spectacular"** actions often have the opposite effect.

## Calls for Clarification on Bodycam Installation

Chega's Vanessa Barata highlighted ongoing vandalism in Lisbon and questioned the status of bodycam installations for police, linking it to recent violent incidents.

## Livre Demands Justification for Operations

Deputy Paulo Muacho from Livre raised concerns about the **"assumptions, necessity, and proportionality"** of the police operation in Martim Moniz, criticizing the government's justification for recent high-profile police actions.

## Bloco de Esquerda's Allegations of Political Instrumentalization

The Left Bloc accused the government of manipulating security forces for political ends, with Deputy Fabian Figueiredo criticizing the lack of tangible results from operations like the one in Rua do Benformoso, which involved targeting immigrants. He referred to the existence of **"sheriffs"** in politics meddling in security matters.

Major Controversies Arise as Portugal's Internal Minister Addresses Police Operations and Immigration Concerns

**Electoral Law Overhaul in Madeira**

The **Specialized Committee** of the **Assembly of the Republic** has unanimously approved the proposal for a second amendment to the **electoral law** for the **Regional Assembly of Madeira**. The original document dates back to **February 2006** and is considered outdated in relation to current realities.

This proposal is the result of a joint effort between **PSD** and **PS**, previously endorsed by the Madeira plenary. It will now move from the Specialized Committee to the **São Bento** chamber for a final global vote.

The aim is to implement these changes in the upcoming **early elections**, expected to be held in the **second half of March**, pending a decision from the **Palácio de Belém**.

While the approved document still requires a final regional opinion, there is strong belief that it will be ratified swiftly, allowing for implementation within two months.

Despite some disagreement on a few articles, the proposal was passed unanimously. The main changes include:

- **Parity Law**: Ensuring that in every three names on the list, two must be of one gender and one of another.
- **Early Voting**: Implementation of **early voting in mobility**.
- **Accessibility Enhancements**: Introduction of **braille templates** at polling stations to facilitate voting for visually impaired citizens.


Está aprovada em sede de Comissão Especializada na Assembleia da República a proposta de segunda alteração da lei eleitoral da Assembleia Regional da ...

Unanimous Approval for Electoral Law Changes in Madeira: What You Need to Know

### Brief Encounter at Justice Campus

Pedro Passos Coelho, the former Prime Minister of Portugal, made a **quick visit** to the Justice Campus, lasting only **five minutes**, as his hearing regarding the BES case was once again **postponed** due to a strike by judicial officials called by the **Judicial Officials Union**.

Upon arrival, Coelho expressed his readiness to **"answer all questions"** posed by the court, yet emphasized that his involvement in the case is **"reasonably clarified"**. He stated, **"I would be glad to answer anything that is not clarified"**.

### Comments on Politics

When asked about the upcoming presidential elections, Coelho stated that he is **"out of politics"** and is content with his current situation. He refrained from commenting on the latest **poll results**, suggesting those inquiries should be directed towards the polling companies.

### Ongoing Strike Impact

The strike primarily affects the morning sessions, and it remains uncertain whether the **afternoon hearings** will also be canceled.

### Background on the BES Case

Coelho served as Prime Minister during the resolution of the BES bank in the summer of **2014**. His questioning had been **scheduled** for **October 30, 2024**. Currently, the case involves **18 defendants**, including former bank president **Ricardo Salgado**, who is **80 years old** and diagnosed with **Alzheimer's disease**. Salgado faces approximately **60 charges**, including **criminal association** and **active corruption in the private sector**.

The Public Ministry estimates that the acts allegedly committed between **2009 and 2014** by the defendants, former executives of BES and other entities related to GES, resulted in damages of **€11.8 billion**.

Antigo primeiro-ministro entrou disposto a "responder a todas as perguntas", mas a audição voltou a não acontecer

Pedro Passos Coelho's Brief Appearance: Justice Hearing Delayed Again Amid Strike

## **Suspension of Non-Urgent Surgeries**  
Two Local Health Units (ULS) facing increased pressure on emergency services, specifically in **Algarve** (including hospitals in **Faro**, **Portimão**, and **Lagos**) and **Almada-Seixal** (with **Garcia de Orta Hospital**), have suspended non-urgent surgical activities. This decision aims to prevent overcrowding in wards and alleviate the burden on medical teams, as reported by the ‘Diário de Notícias’.

## **Contingency Plan Activation**  
This action marks the second level of a contingency plan in response to the high demand for emergency services due to respiratory infections. By suspending these surgeries, more beds and medical staff can be allocated to emergency care.

In a circular, ULS Algarve stated that, given the current context of increased demand for unscheduled care across various services, the Administration Board has decided to suspend all scheduled surgical activities requiring hospitalization, except in cases deemed urgent by the Clinical Directorate. ULS Almada-Seixal confirmed it made a similar decision on the 8th.

## **Expert Insights**  
According to **Xavier Barreto**, President of the **Portuguese Association of Hospital Administrators (APAH)**, this is "the only solution" to ensure adequate responses to acute patients in emergencies. He noted that the suspension of non-urgent activity is outlined in all contingency plans and is activated during periods of high demand to free up resources for urgent care.

**Tiago Botelho**, President of ULS Algarve, mentioned that the situation is being evaluated daily and could be reversed once the flu season is under control. He emphasized the need to prevent ward overcrowding and maintain human resources, leading to the creation of **51 additional inpatient beds** across various hospitals in the ULS. This includes activating 12 new beds in Lagos, 13 in Portimão, and 18 in São Brás de Alportel, specifically for post-surgical convalescent patients. An additional 8 beds have also been established in Faro for respiratory infections.

## **Current Situation**  
Hospitals in Algarve are currently managing around **200 emergency cases daily**, predominantly respiratory infections. Botelho assured that the decision could be reversed at any time, but the additional beds created will remain in place until the end of February.  

**ULS Almada/Seixal** highlighted the necessity of increasing the number of beds to relieve pressure on the General Emergency Service (SUG), noting a rise in patients awaiting care from the long-term care network, which continues to strain emergency services.

Segundo Xavier Barreto, presidente da Associação Portuguesa dos Administradores Hospitalares (APAH), é "a única solução"

Urgent Measures: Algarve and Almada Hospitals Suspend Non-Emergency Surgeries Amid Rising Respiratory Infections

### **Security Tightens in Maputo**
Under **strict security measures**, including the closure of several roads in central Maputo, Mozambicans are witnessing the inauguration of **Daniel Chapo** as the **fifth president** of the country. This ceremony has been contested since October, marked by waves of protests led by supporters of presidential candidate **Venâncio Mondlane**, which have been heavily suppressed by authorities.

![Maputo Streets](https://cdn-images.rtp.pt/icm/noticias/images/b7/b7ab8a8b6bde2a142a62a2c630d12562?w=860&q=90&rect=0,0,1499,822)
*Several roads in central Maputo, near the Independence Square, were closed to traffic. - Luísa Nhantumbo - EPA*

### **Inauguration Details**
Nearly **2,500 guests**, including two heads of state, gathered in Maputo for the inauguration of **Daniel Chapo**, the current Secretary-General of **Frelimo** (Mozambique Liberation Front). Chapo, 48, was proclaimed the winner of the presidential election on **December 23**, with **65.17%** of the votes from the **October 9 general elections**, which also included legislative and provincial assembly elections, all won by the ruling party.

Born on **January 6, 1977**, in Inhaminga, **Chapo** is the first president born after Mozambique's independence in **1975** and holds a law degree from **Eduardo Mondlane University** in Maputo.

The inauguration ceremony is taking place this Wednesday morning at **Independence Square**, where the outgoing president **Filipe Nyusi** will hand over the symbols of power to the president of the Constitutional Council, **Lúcia Ribeiro**, who will officiate the swearing-in of Daniel Chapo. The event will feature official speeches, cultural moments, a **21-gun salute**, and a review of the **Mozambique Defence Forces** by the new commander-in-chief.

### **International Presence**
The only confirmed heads of state present at the ceremony are **Cyril Ramaphosa** from South Africa and **Umaro Sissoco Embaló** from Guinea-Bissau. Additionally, vice-presidents from **Tanzania, Malawi, and Kenya** will attend, along with the Prime Ministers of **Eswatini and Rwanda**, and at least eight ministers from various countries, including **Portugal's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel**.

### **Political Tensions**
**Venâncio Mondlane**, the presidential candidate, returned to Mozambique last Thursday and has called for three days of strikes and protests this week against the swearing-in of the new president and deputies. He accused the regime of a **"silent genocide"**, claiming that people are being kidnapped and extrajudicially executed. Mondlane criticized Minister Paulo Rangel for being biased regarding the post-election disputes in Mozambique.

Since October, pro-Mondlane protesters have been demanding the **"restoration of electoral truth"**. Clashes with police have resulted in at least **300 deaths** and over **600 injuries**, according to civil society organizations. Mondlane garnered **24%** of the votes in the presidential election, according to the Constitutional Council.

*Report by Tiago Contreiras, Gabriel dos Santos | RTP in Maputo*

Debaixo de apertadas medidas de segurança, incluindo o corte de várias artérias no centro de Maputo, os moçambicanos assistem esta quarta-feira à investidura de Daniel Chapo como quinto presidente do país. Uma tomada de posse que é contestada desde outubro nas ruas, em sucessivas vagas de protestos encabeçadas por apoiantes do candidato presidencial Venâncio Mondlane e fortemente reprimidas pelas autoridades.


Daniel Chapo Sworn in as Mozambique's Fifth President Amidst Heightened Security and Protests

**Lisbon's Metro** experienced significant delays on the **Green Line** due to an incident involving a passenger. The interruption lasted for approximately **30 minutes**, causing inconvenience to travelers during peak hours. Commuters were advised to seek alternative routes while the situation was being addressed. The authorities promptly responded to ensure the safety of all passengers involved.

A interrupção prolongou-se durante cerca de meia hora

Severe Disruption on Lisbon's Green Line Due to Passenger Incident

## Lisbon City Council's Proposal for a 'Bus' Lane on A5

**Anacoreta Correia**, the Vice-President of the Lisbon City Council, has stated that the **creation of a 'bus' lane on the A5 highway**, which connects the capital to Cascais, is a project of **"great importance"** for the **Lisbon Metropolitan Area**. This initiative aims to enhance the use of **public transportation**.

> "This project is crucial, and as far as we know, the Government has also indicated it as a **priority project** in terms of mobility within the Lisbon Metropolitan Area," remarked **Filipe Anacoreta Correia (CDS-PP)** during a session of the Lisbon Municipal Assembly.

The Vice-President highlighted that this project requires **negotiation** with **Brisa**, the company that operates the A5, under the leadership of the **Aliança Democrática** government. He emphasized the significance of providing **alternatives for people** entering the city to improve urban mobility.

### Opposition Raises Concerns

During the assembly, **Cláudia Madeira**, a local deputy from the **PEV**, inquired about integrating special services for individuals with **reduced mobility** into the **Navegante public transport pass**, which is set to be available starting **January 20**.

Additionally, Madeira questioned the **expansion of the Lisbon Metro network**, especially regarding the circular line's conversion into a loop line. Anacoreta Correia noted that the government has commissioned studies to assess the feasibility of this change.

In response to **Joana Teixeira** from the **Bloco de Esquerda**, Correia emphasized the **free public transportation** for youth and seniors, benefiting **90,000 people**, half of whom are new users. He also mentioned a **€220 million investment** in the **Carris** public transport system by **2027** for fleet expansion and improvement.

**Isabel Mendes Lopes** from **Livre** raised questions about the **bus lanes**, **Carris' information system**, and measures to reduce **road traffic accidents**. Correia called for **balance and common sense** in addressing various mobility types, criticizing the **radical approach** of some proposals.

Concerns regarding urban hygiene, including a recent workers' strike during the holiday season, were also addressed, with assurances of increased investment in this area.

![A5 Highway](https://images.impresa.pt/sicnot/2025-01-15-autoestrada-a5-cbc08fe1/original)
*Image Source: Autoridade Nacional de Segurança Rodoviária*

Anacoreta Correia, vice-presidente da autarquia lisboeta, disse que esse projeto pressupõe a negociação por parte do Governo, liderado pela Aliança Democrática, junto da empresa concessionária da A5, a Brisa.

Traffic Disruption in Madeira: Hotel Workers Protest Causes Police Intervention

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Traffic Blocked During Hotel Workers' Protest

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