## Urgent Pediatric Shortage in Algarve

The **Southern Medical Union** has raised alarms about the critical shortage of **pediatricians** in the Algarve region, specifically in the hospitals of **Faro** and **Portimão**. Health officials are urging immediate intervention from the **Minister of Health** to address this pressing issue.

![Children's Health in Algarve](https://asset.skoiy.com/jnrcnjwljorqgsbu/7hf3s6xkzqfm.jpg?w=1852&amp;q=80&amp;crop=987,658,0,10)

### Escalating Crisis
According to the union, the situation is set to worsen as there will be **no pediatricians available** for the night shifts today and during the day and night shifts on **December 24 and 25**. This alarming deficiency raises concerns about the safety and health of children in the region, as they may not receive the necessary medical attention during emergencies.

The **Southern Medical Union** is calling for urgent measures to ensure that pediatric services are adequately staffed to protect the well-being of children in the Algarve.

O Sindicato dos Médicos da Zona Sul exigiu hoje a intervenção urgente da ministra da Saúde devido à falta de médicos pediatras nos hospitais de Faro e Portimão, alertando para o agravamento da situação nos próximos dias.

Urgent Call for Pediatric Help in Algarve: Children’s Health at Risk

### Storm Eowyn's Impact on Portugal

**Storm Eowyn** is expected to affect **continental Portugal** starting today, lasting until Saturday. The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (**IPMA**) has warned of **heavy rain, strong winds, and significant maritime agitation**.

A frontal system associated with the **Eowyn depression**, currently impacting the **United Kingdom**, is anticipated to bring precipitation beginning this morning in the **Minho and Douro Litoral** regions, potentially heavy by late afternoon.

**Rainfall** is expected to gradually extend to other regions of the country throughout **Friday and Saturday**. According to **Meteofontes**, the forecast indicates **moderate to heavy precipitation**, particularly in the **Minho and Douro Litoral** tonight and early Saturday morning, spreading to the **Central** and **Southern** regions by late morning.

**Strong maritime agitation** is also predicted along the western coast from this afternoon, with **waves** reaching heights of **4 to 5 meters**, continuing until late Saturday afternoon. **Yellow weather warnings** have been issued for maritime agitation, wind, and precipitation in several districts.

On **Sunday**, a new depression near the **British Isles** will lead to another front crossing the mainland, especially affecting the **North** and **Center**, with periods of **moderate to heavy rain** expected.

However, the **South** is likely to remain dry, possibly experiencing only light rain in **Évora** and **Setúbal**. On **Monday**, another episode of **moderate to heavy rain** is forecast for the **North** and **Center**, moving to the **South** in the afternoon.

**Tuesday** is expected to feature light to moderate showers across the mainland, with **January 29** anticipated to bring another significant rainfall event, particularly in the **North** and **Center**. Following **January 30**, a high-pressure system is expected to settle over the mainland, promising a drier and colder start to **February**.

As for the **UK**, both **Ireland** and parts of the **UK** are under **red alert** due to Storm Eowyn, which has already caused **record wind speeds** of **183 km/h** in Ireland, disrupting airport operations and prompting authorities to advise residents to stay indoors.

**Flight cancellations** have been reported, including at least four flights from **Dublin** to **Lisbon** and three in the opposite direction, along with one from **Lisbon** to **London**. Major airports including **Dublin**, **Heathrow**, and **Glasgow** have seen numerous cancellations due to the storm's impact.

Storm Eowyn was named by the **MET Office** (UK Meteorological Service) and is centered to the **west/southwest** of the British Isles.

A partir de hoje, volta o temporal ao território continental português

Storm Eowyn Set to Hit Portugal: What You Need to Know

### Discovering Chef George Mendes

**George Mendes**, the acclaimed chef known for his Michelin-starred restaurant Aldea in New York, is now at the helm of **Amar**, a refined Portuguese restaurant in Boston. In a captivating episode of the podcast **The Heart and Hustle of Portugal** hosted by **Tony Gonçalves**, Mendes shares his culinary journey from the **Culinary Institute of New York** to his deep-rooted passion for **Portuguese cuisine**.

![Chef George Mendes](link_to_image)

Mendes reflects on his early days in culinary school, humorously recalling how he earned the nickname **“George Burns”** for burning his dishes. At Amar, located in **Raffles Boston**, he skillfully blends his heritage with his culinary talent, featuring standout dishes like **shrimp with garlic, butter, and sweet paprika**, inspired by a family recipe.

### The Evolution of Portuguese Gastronomy

He also discusses the **evolution of Portugal's gastronomic scene** and its influence on his work. **Tony Gonçalves**, who emigrated from northern Portugal to the U.S. at the age of four, has a rich professional background, including roles at **Sharp Electronics**, **Samsung**, and **WarnerMedia**. He founded the **Evrose Group** to guide Portuguese businesses in their international growth.

In 2024, Gonçalves partnered with **Tribeca**, based in New York, and **SIC** to launch the first edition of the **Tribeca Festival** outside the U.S. in Lisbon, where he served as executive producer. The podcast aims to unite a community passionate about Portugal through conversations with prominent figures connected to the cultural and business landscape.

![Tiago Pereira Santos](link_to_image)

George Mendes, o chef do restaurante nova-iorquino Aldea, onde ganhou a sua estrela Michelin, dirige agora o Amar, um restaurante português requintado em Boston. Ouça a sua fascinante viagem desde os primeiros passos no The Culinary Institute of New York até à sua paixão pela cozinha portuguesa e pela sua partilha com o mundo.

Discover Chef George Mendes: From Michelin Star to Celebrating Portuguese Cuisine in Boston

### Recent Rainfall Boosts Algarve's Water Supply

The six dams that supply the Algarve region have seen a significant increase in their water storage capacity, now standing at **41%** due to recent rains. This has added an impressive **30.9 million cubic meters** of water to the reservoirs.  

According to the **Portuguese Environment Agency (APA)**, this rainfall helped recover water reserves from **34% to 41%**. Compared to the same period last year (January 13 to 19, 2024), there is an increase of approximately **62 cubic hectometers (hm³)** of stored water.  

#### Regional Breakdown
The recovery has been more pronounced in the **Sotavento** region of the Algarve, which experienced an increase of **23.4 hm³**. In contrast, the **Barlavento** region only saw an increase of **7.5 hm³**.  

Here’s a quick look at the current capacities of key dams in the region:  
- **Odeleite Dam**: 60% capacity (77.44 hm³)  
- **Beliche Dam**: 49% capacity (23.59 hm³)  
- **Funcho Dam**: 40% capacity (18.86 hm³)  
- **Odelouca Dam**: 33% capacity (51.87 hm³)  
- **Arade Dam**: 17% capacity (4.77 hm³)  
- **Bravura Dam**: 13% capacity (4.64 hm³)  

With forecasts indicating further increases in water levels due to river runoff, the situation is looking more promising for the Algarve's water supply.  

![Algarve Dams](https://d1mnxluw9mpf9w.cloudfront.net/media/1064/4x3/1200.jpg)

The six dams that supply the Algarve are at 41% of their total water storage capacity, thanks to the rains over the last few days, adding another 30.9 million...

Algarve Water Storage Rises to 41% After Recent Rainfall: What You Need to Know

Miguel Arruda, the former Chega deputy suspected of stealing luggage at airports, continues to assert his **innocence**. In a recent interview, he claimed that the evidence against him might be **manipulated by artificial intelligence**. This case has already led to his departure from Chega and his current status as an **independent deputy**.

### The Luggage Controversy
Arruda admitted to possessing some luggage but explained that he used them to transport **goods purchased online** from platforms like **Vinted**, **AliExpress**, **Shein**, and **Temu** for his family in the Azores. He acknowledged that four bags were seized in the Azores and three at his home in Lisbon. Interestingly, he mentioned having two bags in Parliament but later retracted that statement.

### The Vinted Account Mystery
When questioned about a Vinted account under the username **miguelarruda84**, he neither confirmed nor denied ownership, although he did confirm his birth year, **1984**. According to reports, the email linked to this account matches the one he provided to Chega. The profile picture is taken at a chapel in the Azores, where Arruda resides.

He speculated that if he did create an account, it was likely to sell some of his clothes, stating, "I think I bought more than I sold". He even suggested the account might belong to his wife, who he believes might use Vinted for entertainment.

### Surveillance Footage Claims
Regarding surveillance footage that allegedly shows him in a suspicious scenario, Arruda suggested that such images could be **manipulated**. He remarked, "With new technologies, there could be AI-generated images demonstrating this". Arruda hinted that the case could be politically motivated due to his criticisms of established interests in the country.

Desvinculado do Chega, após ser acusado de furtar malas nos aeroportos portugueses, o agora deputado não-inscrito refutou todas as acusações. Em entrevista, Miguel Arruda sugeriu que as provas podem ser manipuladas por inteligência artificial

Miguel Arruda Denies Theft Allegations Amid Vinted Account Speculations

## **Lisbon Welcomes the Chinese New Year**

On **February 1st and 2nd**, Lisbon will embrace the arrival of the **Chinese New Year**, which will be governed by the **Serpent**. The **Alameda D. Afonso Henriques** will host a cultural parade celebrating the **wisdom, unity, and prosperity** associated with this lunar new year, commencing on **January 29**.

During a press conference held on **January 23**, the festivities were unveiled by **Diogo Moura**, the Culture Councilor of the Lisbon City Hall. He emphasized the importance of this event in promoting **cultural exchange** between **Portugal and China**, highlighting it as a reflection of a city open to the world.

> “This is a portrait of Lisbon's universal scale, marked by cultural diversity and centuries-old relations with the East, especially China, serving as a true bridge between East and West,” the mayor stated.

In **2025**, the Chinese New Year will again be ruled by the Serpent, as it will also be in **2037**. The Serpent symbolizes **wisdom** and embodies values such as **knowledge, intelligence, creativity, and renewal**. According to **Choi Man Hin**, president of the **Spring Festival Association**, “**2025 is the Year of Wisdom**. In the Chinese horoscope, wisdom represents good fortune, prosperity, brotherhood, and longevity.”

Lisbon is portrayed as an ideal place for **rebirth**, both professionally and spiritually, with a welcoming atmosphere that respects differences. The event will kick off on **February 1st** with a cultural parade starting at **10:00 AM**.

![Chinese New Year Celebration in Lisbon](https://olharesdelisboa.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Nos-dias-1-e-2-de-fevereiro-Lisboa-vai-celebrar-a-chegada-do-Ano-Novo-Chines-que-se-ira-reger-pela-Serpente-696x464.jpg)

*Image credit: CML | Armindo Ribeiro and Ana Luísa Alvim*

Nos dias 1 e 2 de fevereiro, Lisboa vai celebrar a chegada do Ano Novo Chinês, com um desfile na Alameda D. Afonso Henriques.

Experience the Vibrant Chinese New Year Celebration in Lisbon on February 1st and 2nd!

# Understanding the New Land Law

The new decree-law amending the **Regime Jurídico dos Instrumentos de Gestão Territorial (RJIGT)** allows for the **reclassification of rustic land to urban** for housing purposes, which has raised significant concerns among experts, environmentalists, and politicians.

## What Does the Law State?

The **decree-law 117/2024**, enacted on December 30, enables a simplified process for transforming rustic land into urban areas, provided that the land is designated for housing by municipal authorities. The government argues that this increased availability of land will facilitate the creation of housing solutions that meet **controlled cost criteria**, promoting social equity and ensuring access to decent housing for Portuguese families.

The law mandates that at least **70%** of the total construction area on the site must be allocated for **public housing** or **moderate-value housing**. However, the government clarifies that this does not equate to housing at controlled costs, but rather homes for the **middle class** based on median values from local and national markets.

## Key Changes in Land Use

The modification allows for construction on land with moderate agricultural suitability, as well as areas that may have high erosion risks or poor drainage. However, it prohibits reclassifying areas within the **National Classified Areas System**, including hazardous zones or those at risk of flooding, among others.

## Criticism and Concerns

Despite its promulgation, the law has faced backlash. Critics, including parties like **Bloco de Esquerda** and **PCP**, have called for parliamentary review, arguing that the measures will exacerbate speculative real estate practices and threaten environmental protections. Over **600 experts** and former officials have signed an open letter criticizing the government’s approach, asserting it will not alleviate the housing crisis and may harm essential rustic land needed for food security.

## Parliamentary Review and Future Implications

In response to public protests against the law, the **BE, PCP, Livre, and PAN** have requested parliamentary scrutiny. If the law is revoked, it will cease to be in effect following its publication in the **Diário da República**. Conversely, if amendments are made, they will be discussed in detail before a final vote.

## Government's Standpoint

The Minister of Infrastructure acknowledges that while the land law is not a panacea for all housing issues, it is expected to lower housing prices. He expressed readiness to adapt the law based on feedback from the **PS** party, which has raised concerns about establishing a reference price for properties that may inadvertently increase sale prices.

The government maintains that the law aims to empower local authorities and adjust solutions to the specific needs of each municipality, emphasizing that only land unsuitable for agriculture or without ecological risks will be utilized for urban development.

O diploma que altera o Regime Jurídico dos Instrumentos de Gestão Territorial (RJIGT) permite a reclassificação de solos rústicos em urbanos, para habitação — o que tem vindo a suscitar ...

Is Portugal's New Land Law a Solution to the Housing Crisis or an Environmental Threat?

## Limited Portuguese Language Proficiency Among Foreign Students

Recent data reveals that **one in four foreign students** in Portugal has a **limited understanding of the Portuguese language**. Despite nearly **75%** of over **140,000 foreign students** being from Brazil or Portuguese-speaking countries, many arrive with little to no prior exposure to the language or culture. The **Ministry of Education** highlights that some students, due to recent migration flows, may not even be familiar with the **Portuguese alphabet**, presenting significant linguistic barriers.

To address this, the government is set to hire **up to 287 cultural and linguistic mediators** across **319 schools** as part of the **"Aprender Mais Agora"** initiative aimed at enhancing educational quality for foreign students. These mediators will collaborate with teachers, educational professionals, and families, emphasizing their role as integral support rather than mere translators or activity facilitators.

### Increasing Diversity in Schools

The educational landscape in Portugal is becoming increasingly diverse, with schools hosting students from an average of **19 different nationalities**, nearly double the number from the **2018/2019** academic year. Last year, **41%** of school groups reported having students from **20 or more nationalities**, with some schools accommodating students from as many as **46 countries**.

### Curriculum Adjustments and Support Initiatives

In addition to employing mediators, the government is revising the **Portuguese as a Non-Native Language (PLNM)** curriculum to include a **zero proficiency level** and broader support that encompasses cultural and emotional aspects. This new approach aims to prevent segregation and ensure that foreign students are not excluded from the curriculum while learning the language.

### Streamlined Integration Processes

Recent legislative changes now allow schools to assign equivalences to foreign students' educational levels without formal procedures, facilitating **quicker integration and adaptation** into the Portuguese education system. This initiative aims to improve the overall experience for foreign students as they navigate their new educational environment.

Agrupamentos têm, em média, alunos de 19 nacionalidades, mas há escolas onde convivem estudantes de 46 países. Para os apoiar, serão contratados mediadores e a disciplina de PLNM será revista.

Urgent Call for Pediatric Help in Algarve: Children’s Health at Risk

Summary:

Urgent Pediatric Shortage in Algarve

Escalating Crisis

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Storm Eowyn Set to Hit Portugal: What You Need to Know

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Storm Eowyn Set to Hit Portugal: What You Need to Know

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Miguel Arruda Denies Theft Allegations Amid Vinted Account Speculations

Experience the Vibrant Chinese New Year Celebration in Lisbon on February 1st and 2nd!

Is Portugal's New Land Law a Solution to the Housing Crisis or an Environmental Threat?

One in Four Foreign Students in Portugal Struggles with Portuguese Language Proficiency