**A shocking incident** unfolded in Barreiro, where a **45-year-old man** fatally stabbed his **46-year-old wife** at their home. The tragic event occurred while their **two children** were present in the house. Following the crime, the assailant fled the scene but later turned himself in to the **PSP (Public Security Police)** as authorities began their search. This harrowing case highlights the urgent need for discussions around **domestic violence** and the safety of children in such situations.

Um homem, de 45 anos, matou a mulher, de 46, à facada em casa no Barreiro e fugiu, mas acabou por entregar-se à PSP quando estava a ser procurado. Os dois filhos estavam em casa no momento do homicídio.

Tragic Family Incident: 14-Year-Old Alerts Authorities After Mother's Stabbing in Barreiro

### Government's New Land Law Under Scrutiny

The **Portuguese government** has announced a controversial decree-law that alters the **Legal Framework for Territorial Management Instruments**, known as the **'Land Law'**. This change, which will take effect 30 days post-publication, allows for the **reclassification of rural lands** for construction purposes, particularly for housing. The reclassification will depend on **municipal deliberation**, granting local authorities significant power.

### Political Backlash and Environmental Concerns

The **Socialist Party (PS)** proposed changes to the government's proposal, which were accepted, particularly concerning housing prices and construction locations. However, many in parliament, especially from the left, oppose the law, seeing it as a means to increase **speculation** without addressing the housing crisis. Environmental experts have warned that this law could exacerbate existing issues rather than solve them, emphasizing the need for **buffer zones** in urban areas to prevent crises similar to those seen in **Valencia** and **Los Angeles**.

### Key Details of the Law

On **December 30**, amidst holiday festivities, the law was published. The President of Portugal, **Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa**, approved it but expressed reservations about the significant changes to land use planning. The government claims that at least **70%** of the reclassified area will be designated for **public** or **affordable housing**, aiming to benefit the **middle class**. However, critics argue that the proposed prices could still lead to increased housing costs, with some estimates suggesting new homes could be sold up to **25%** above current market values.

### Calls for Parliamentary Review

In January, opposition parties initiated a review of the law, citing concerns over its potential to fuel speculation rather than addressing the housing crisis. **Helena Roseta**, an architect and former member of the Socialist Party, criticized the lack of public debate and called for parliamentary scrutiny.

### Environmentalists' Alarm

Environmentalists, including over **600 academics**, have expressed deep concern over the law, arguing it threatens agriculture, forests, and overall environmental health. They believe the reclassification could fragment essential agricultural land, jeopardizing **food security**. **Francisco Ferreira**, president of the environmental association **Zero**, highlighted the unnecessary nature of reclassifying rural lands when there are already urbanized areas available for development.

### Implications for Infrastructure and Food Security

The law's implementation may lead to new urban areas requiring extensive infrastructure, which will ultimately fall on taxpayers. Environmentalists warn that allowing construction on sensitive lands could increase risks of flooding and landslides, echoing past disasters in other cities. They argue that prioritizing land for construction over agricultural use could lead to long-term food insecurity, stressing the need to rethink urban planning with a focus on sustainability and food production.

### The Call for Revocation

Many experts, including Helena Freitas, argue for the immediate revocation of the law, emphasizing the need for careful planning that considers environmental impacts rather than rushing to meet housing demands. They advocate for a more sustainable approach to urban development, prioritizing ecological integrity and food security over short-term construction goals.

PS sugeriu mudanças no diploma do Governo e o Governo aceitou-as, sobretudo quanto aos preços das novas casas e quanto a locais onde se pode construir. O parlamento, sobretudo à esquerda, é contra um diploma que só vem aumentar “a especulação” e não resolve nada em matéria de habitação. Os especialistas, nomeadamente os do ambiente, já alertaram o parlamento para isso. Não resolve o problema e agrava outros: “Estes solos são zonas de tampão, e as cidades precisam de zonas assim. Para não acontecer o mesmo que aconteceu em Valência, o mesmo que está a acontecer em Los Angeles"

Portugal's Controversial Land Law: Will It Solve the Housing Crisis or Worsen Food Security?

### New Land Law Advances Amidst Criticism  
The **Socialist Party (PS)** proposed changes to the government's land law, accepted mainly concerning new housing prices and construction locations. However, opposition parties argue that this law will only increase **speculation** and fail to address the housing crisis. Environmental experts have also raised alarms about the implications of this legislation, emphasizing that these lands serve as crucial **buffer zones** and cities need such areas to prevent issues seen in **Valencia** and **Los Angeles**.

### Key Changes to the Land Law  
On **December 30**, a decree-law was published, modifying the **Legal Regime of Territorial Management Instruments**, known as the “Land Law.” This reclassification allows rural lands to be used for construction, especially housing, subject to **municipal deliberation**. The government claims that at least **70%** of the area will be allocated for public or moderately priced housing, targeting primarily the **middle class**.

### Opposition and Environmental Concerns  
Critics like **Helena Roseta**, an architect and former Socialist deputy, have condemned the law for lacking **citizen scrutiny** and public debate. Left-wing parties like **Bloco**, **PCP**, and **Livre** are advocating for the law's revocation, arguing it opens doors to speculation without solving the housing crisis. They aim to analyze the law's benefits and drawbacks during a parliamentary session scheduled for **January 24**.

### Environmentalists Speak Out  
Environmentalists, including over **600 academics** and specialists, have expressed their concerns through letters to the government and parliament. They argue that the law will fragment essential agricultural land, leading to increased food insecurity. **Francisco Ferreira**, president of the environmental group **Zero**, highlights that there are already sufficient urbanized areas that could accommodate more housing without needing to reclassify rural lands.

### Impacts on Infrastructure and Food Security  
With the new law, municipalities may face increased infrastructure costs for newly urbanized areas, impacting taxpayers. Environmental experts warn of potential risks like **flooding** and **landslides** if construction occurs in vulnerable zones. The law's impact on food production is significant; as Ferreira notes, once agricultural land is developed, it is difficult to recover, threatening future food supplies.  

### Calls for Sustainable Urban Planning  
Both **Helena Freitas** and **Francisco Ferreira** emphasize the need for sustainable urban planning that prioritizes food security and ecological integrity. They argue for a shift towards **self-sustaining cities** that reconnect urban areas with food production, advocating for the protection of agricultural lands as a non-renewable resource.  

### Conclusion  
The ongoing debate surrounding the new land law underscores the tension between immediate housing needs and long-term environmental sustainability, highlighting the need for balanced policies that consider both urban development and ecological preservation.

New Land Law Sparks Controversy: Environmentalists Warn of Serious Consequences for Food Security and Urban Planning

### A National Call for Peace

The national demonstration titled **"Together for Peace! It is urgent to end the war!"** gathered thousands at Largo do Rossio, according to organizers, in a collective plea to end the war in **Palestine** and the genocide of the Palestinian people.

**Tiago Marques**, 39, expressed his urgency in showing solidarity with **Palestine**, stating, "The **United Nations**, **Amnesty International**, and **Doctors Without Borders** have all recognized this as genocide. It is shameful how the Portuguese state has responded to this situation, and it is crucial for the population to voice their discontent."

**Lurdes Aguiar** mentioned this was likely her fourth demonstration for Palestine, questioning what more could be said after **over 50,000 deaths** in the Gaza Strip. She feels the upcoming ceasefire is influenced by many interests, with some eager for it to last only a short time. Despite feeling powerless, she believes this demonstration is a way to make their voices heard.

**Mateus Pablo**, 69, joined the rally to advocate for global peace amidst rising arms sales by several powers and to defend Palestinian rights. **Sérgio Pereira**, 62, also voiced his solidarity for the **Ukrainian** people, insisting, "It is urgent to end all wars."

The demonstration, which reached Largo do Rossio around **4:30 PM**, began at **Cais do Sodré** and is described as one of the largest by **Ilda Figueiredo**, representative of the **Portuguese Council for Peace and Cooperation (CPPC)**, asserting it gathered **thousands and thousands of people**.

Slogans such as **"Cut the arms, raise the salaries"**, **"Peace in the Middle East, Independent Palestine"**, and **"Israel is guilty of a massacred people"** were chanted as protesters marched through the streets of Lisbon.

Near the end of the march on **Rua do Ouro**, **Paulo Raimundo**, the Secretary-General of the Communist Party, greeted the demonstrators and spoke to journalists, advocating for an end to Israel's war against Palestine, a policy of peace, and Portugal's recognition of the Palestinian state.

Currently, demonstrators remain at Largo do Rossio to listen to speeches from representatives of the organizing movements, with Ilda Figueiredo assuring that they will **"continue together for peace"**.

Manifestação junta centenas de organizações, todas em defesa do fim de todos os conflitos no mundo, a promoção da paz e o direito à autodeterminação do povo palestiniano.

Thousands Rally in Lisbon for Global Peace and Palestinian Rights

### Protest Against Lithium Mining in Covas do Barroso  
On Saturday, January 18, 2025, **opponents of lithium mining** gathered in **Covas do Barroso** to voice their concerns over the **administrative servitude** granted by the government, which allows **Savannah Resources** to **invade private and communal lands** for lithium exploration.  
  
![Protest in Covas do Barroso](https://asset.skoiy.com/jnrcnjwljorqgsbu/0usdhjezbtiw.jpg?w=1852&q=80&crop=7079,4719,0,1)  
*Image Credit: Pedro Sarmento Costa/Lusa*  
The protest's meeting point was at the **Pelourinho square** in Covas do Barroso, where community members expressed their **fears** about the potential **environmental impact** and **disruption** to local livelihoods caused by the mining activities.  

The demonstrators highlighted the **urgent need for sustainable practices** and emphasized the importance of protecting their land from what they termed an **invasion** by corporate interests.  

The local community remains **vigilant** and **committed** to defending their rights and preserving the natural beauty of Covas do Barroso against the backdrop of increasing **mining operations** in Portugal.

Opositores à mina de lítio manifestaram-se este sábado, em Covas do Barroso, contra a servidão administrativa emitida pelo Governo que permite que a Savannah “invada terrenos” privados e baldios para a prospeção de lítio.

Protest in Covas do Barroso: Citizens Stand Against Government's Land Authorization for Lithium Mining

### A Gathering for Peace

Several **hundreds of individuals** gathered at **Praça do Rossio** in Lisbon to advocate for the **end of all global conflicts** and to promote a **peaceful policy**. The rally commenced with the chant, “**We want peace and cooperation, we do not want to be cannon fodder**.” This was the anthem marking the start of the demonstration, which proceeded towards **Largo do Rossio**.

### Voices for Peace

At the forefront, a banner read, “**It is urgent to put an end to war. All together for peace**,” carried by representatives of various movements organizing this initiative. 

Ilda Figueiredo, a representative of the **Portuguese Council for Peace and Cooperation (CPPC)**, stated that this demonstration unites **hundreds of organizations** advocating for the cessation of all conflicts worldwide, the promotion of peace, and the **right to self-determination of the Palestinian people**.

### Union for Social Justice

Tiago Oliveira, the **general secretary of CGTP**, emphasized the importance of union participation, noting that the **people and workers** are always the most affected by conflicts. He criticized the NATO Secretary-General's call for increased military spending, arguing that it undermines **social rights**.

Centenas manifestaram-se em Lisboa num encontro pela paz mundial, que contou com a presença do líder da CGTP e de Ilda Figueiredo, representante do Conselho Português para a Paz e Cooperação.

Hundreds Rally in Lisbon for Global Peace: A Call for Action

### Health Minister's Decision
The **Health Minister** has accepted the resignation of **António Gandra D'Almeida**, the executive director of the **National Health Service (SNS)**, which was submitted on Friday. D'Almeida attributed his decision to the release of a report by a media outlet that exposed alleged **incompatibilities** in his professional roles.

![Related Image](https://cdn-images.rtp.pt/icm/noticias/images/09/09d98924cd9953bd3057b3f7a3818e0d?w=860&q=90&rect=0,0,1499,822)
*Photo: António Pedro Santos - Lusa*

### Circumstances of Resignation
In a statement from the ministry, it was noted, "Given the circumstances and the importance of preserving the SNS, the Health Minister accepted the resignation. The new Executive Director will be announced in the coming days."

D'Almeida's resignation follows a report by **SIC**, which revealed that he had simultaneously held the position of director at the **Northern INEM** (National Institute of Medical Emergency) while also working as an emergency physician in **Faro** and **Portimão**.

**According to the investigation**, this dual role was deemed incompatible by law, but D'Almeida managed to obtain authorization from INEM, ensuring he would not receive a salary for the additional role. However, it was reported that through a company he established with his wife, he earned **over 200,000 euros** during those shifts.

### Defense and Allegations
D'Almeida maintains that he has committed no **illegality**, stating, "For the defense of the SNS and for the protection of my family, I requested to be immediately relieved of my duties."

He expressed that the report contained inaccuracies and falsehoods that harmed his reputation, impacting his ability to serve the SNS and its users effectively.

In the statement, **Ana Paula Martins**, the Health Minister, expressed gratitude for D'Almeida's competent work and the efforts of his team during challenging times, hoping for a swift resolution to the situation.

### Background
On **May 22, 2024**, the Health Ministry announced D'Almeida's appointment as the SNS executive director, succeeding **Fernando Araújo**, who resigned after approximately 15 months in the role, citing concerns about being an obstacle to government policies.

D'Almeida, a specialist in **general surgery**, previously directed the **Northern INEM** since November 2021 and held various leadership roles within the Armed Forces.

A ministra da Saúde aceitou o pedido de demissão apresentado esta sexta-feira pelo diretor-executivo do SNS. António Gandra D'Almeida apresentou a demissão, atribuindo a decisão à divulgação de "uma reportagem num órgão de comunicação social" que revela alegadas incompatibilidades.


Health Minister Accepts Resignation of SNS Executive Director Amidst Controversy

## Health Minister Accepts Immediate Resignation of SNS CEO

The **Minister of Health** has accepted the immediate resignation of **António Gandra D’Almeida**, the CEO of the **National Health Service (SNS)**, who has decided to step down following reports concerning his dual roles.

In a statement, Gandra D’Almeida expressed, "Although I believe I have committed no **illegality** or **irregularity**, I have requested to be relieved of my duties to protect the SNS and, importantly, my family’s future and dignity."

The Minister has acknowledged the resignation, stating it was necessary to **preserve the SNS**, and she will announce a successor in the coming days. In her note, **Ana Paula Martins** thanked Gandra D’Almeida for his competent work and the efforts of his team during these challenging times, wishing for a swift clarification of the situation that led to his resignation.

### Controversial Reports

Recent news from **SIC** disclosed that Gandra D’Almeida had held the position of **director of INEM** in the North of Portugal while also working as a part-time doctor in emergency services in Faro and Portimão for over two years. The legality of this dual role has been questioned, as it is deemed incompatible under the law. However, Gandra D’Almeida received special permission from the INEM, assuring that he would not receive a salary for the role.

Despite this, SIC reported that he allegedly earned over **€200,000** through a company he established with his wife while serving in these roles. Gandra D’Almeida has stated that the report contains **inaccuracies** and **falsehoods**, harming his reputation and hindering his ability to serve the SNS effectively.

Gandra D’Almeida was appointed as the CEO of SNS in May 2024, succeeding **Fernando Araújo**, who resigned, not wanting to obstruct the government's necessary policies. Gandra D’Almeida, a **general surgery specialist**, previously directed the Northern delegation of the **National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM)** since November 2021, alongside leadership roles in the Armed Forces.

Ministra da Saúde aceitou o pedido de demissão do CEO do SNS e anunciará nos próximos dias o substituto. Demissão acontece horas depois de a SIC ter noticiado que Gandra D'Almeida acumulou, durante mais de dois anos, as funções de diretor do INEM do Norte, com sede no Porto, com as de médico tarefeiro nas urgências de Faro e Portimão.

Tragic Family Incident: 14-Year-Old Alerts Authorities After Mother's Stabbing in Barreiro

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